LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Women's Soccer team gears up for a pair of GSC contests this weekend, beginning with a 5:00 p.m. matchup against AUM on Friday before traveling to Americus, Georgia for a 12:00 p.m. neutral site contest against Valdosta State.
West Alabama's contest against AUM on Friday will also be Staff Appreciation Night as the Tigers honor select staff members from the University that have left an indelible mark on the program.
UWA (1-4-1, 0-2-1 GSC), AUM (2-4-1, 0-3 GSC), and Valdosta State (3-3, 0-1 GSC) all enter the weekend, searching for their first conference win of the season. All three teams also come into play after suffering losses in their latest contest, with the Tigers falling to Montevallo, the Warhawks losing to Trevecca, and the Blazers dropping a road matchup also to Montevallo.
Through six matches, West Alabama has been solid defensively, only allowing eight goals thus far. Goalkeeper
Dior Wilson continues to stamp her name as one of the best at her position as the senior ranks third in the league in saves with 35. While Wilson excels in goal for the Tigers, Defenders
Santanna O'Grady,
Emily Callahan, and
Laila Hepworth have done a solid job of halting opposing team's offensive attacks.
The biggest issues for UWA to begin the year have been on the offensive side. The Tigers have struggled to produce points, only scoring three goals through their first six contests.
Abbey Roberts,
Aileen Charles, and
Selis Demirci have found the back of the net this season, but West Alabama needs someone to step up on that side of the ball if they want to work their way up the GSC standings.
AUM is the polar opposite of UWA. The Warhawks have no issues offensively as they've found the back of the net 11 times this year, but they struggle containing opposing offenses, allowing 15 goals through seven matches. Senior Forward Laia Gonzalez leads AUM with three goals while Lauren Akemon, Michaelyn Manning, and Riea Henry are tied for second with two goals a piece. The Warhawks are loaded with offensive talent, but their defensive struggles presents an opportunity for West Alabama to find their offensive rhythm on Friday night.
Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, Valdosta State hasn't been able to play a match in nearly two weeks. The Blazers have scored and allowed nine goals through six matches thus far, resulting in their 3-3 record. In their nine goals, eight different players have scored, with freshman Midfielder Maria Rojas leading Valdosta State's balanced offense. Rojas provides an offensive jolt off the bench for the Blazers, leading the team with two goals on a team-high 12 shot attempts.
Defensively, Goalkeeper Emma Pruett hasn't faced many shots this season due to the play of Defenders Katherine Kimmle, Lydia Lewis, and Sydney Foy. Pruett has allowed six goals while making 10 saves, leading to a 3-2 record in goal for the senior.
Friday's matchup against AUM is set for 5:00 p.m. from the UWA Track and Soccer Complex while Sunday's matchup against Valdosta State is set for 12:00 p.m. from the campus of Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Georgia.
