University of West Alabama

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama battled back from a 2-1 halftime deficit to defeat Alabama Huntsville 3-2 in Gulf South Conference women's soccer action at Tiger Stadium on Friday, securing home-field advantage for the first round of the GSC Tournament.
 
With the win, the Tigers improve to 9-6-1 overall, moving to 6-3-1 in the league. The Chargers drop to 8-8 on the season, falling to 4-7 in the GSC.
 
"I thought we started well, we just didn't defend well as a team," UWA head coach Graeme Orr said. "We got caught on a couple of counter attacks, but credit to UAH; they took their chances."
 
"Getting the goal right before halftime gave us a catalyst to spring off of. I'm very impressed with the girls' character and resilience to fight back in the second half. We're delighted to get three points."
 
Alabama Huntsville took a 1-0 lead after Alexcia Alexander launched the ball over the keeper's head from 24 yards out in the 16^th minute.
 
Melody Hoernschemeyer took the ball down the sideline and crossed into the goal box, allowing Alexander to put UAH ahead 2-0 on a 24^th minute strike.
 
TeMia Pride pulled the Tigers within one score before the half, fighting off three defenders for control of the ball in the penalty area and placing a shot into the lower left corner of the net in the 31^st minute.
 
West Alabama leveled the match in the 61^st minute after Chelsea Commings placed a quick pass to Pride from the right side of the box, allowing the freshman forward to finish from four yards out for her second score of the day.
 
Kirsten Reilly put UWA on top 3-2 in the 72^nd minute as her shot from 25 yards out beat the keeper to the left side, bouncing off the post and into the net.
 
Issy Foster (9-6-1) earned the win, making three saves on eight shots faced. Larae Breaux (8-9) picked up five saves while facing 27 shots in the loss.
 
The Tigers will enter the first round of the GSC Tournament as the fourth seed, facing off against the fifth seed at Tiger Stadium on Tuesday.