LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama women's soccer team battled the University of Alabama in Huntsville for 89 minutes Friday night before a late goal lifted the Chargers to a 1-0 victory in the Tigers' Gulf South Conference opener at the UWA Soccer Field.
With the loss, West Alabama falls to 1-3-0 overall and 0-1-0 in GSC play, while UAH improves to 3-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in conference action.
After a scoreless opening 89 minutes, UAH broke through with just 43 seconds remaining in regulation.
Prescott Hull found the back of the net at the 89:17 mark off an assist from Edie Stickell to give the Chargers the only goal they would need.
The Tigers had an opportunity to keep the match level late, but UAH's late offensive pressure resulted in three corner kicks during the final five minutes before Hull's deciding goal.
West Alabama goalkeeper Yumari Hernandez kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the match, making six saves on 18 UAH shots.
Hernandez made several key stops in the second half, including saves on shots from Kaitlyn Lewis at 74:12 and 83:00 and Hull at 87:32, just moments before the Chargers' eventual game-winning goal.
UAH goalkeeper CeCe Szopa recorded three saves to earn the shutout.
The Chargers finished with an 18-10 advantage in shots and held a 9-1 edge in corner kicks. UAH also placed seven shots on target compared to three for the Tigers.
West Alabama generated several opportunities throughout the match, including a pair of first-half attempts from Jade Arruda and shots from Sofia Jimenez Perez, Allie Kimbrell and Mikaela Carpino.
Jimenez Perez recorded two shots on goal, both of which were stopped by Szopa. Kya Jacobs also put a shot on target in the second half at the 68:17 mark, but Szopa again came up with the save.
Despite the offensive opportunities, the Tigers were unable to find the breakthrough as UAH held on for the 1-0 victory.
West Alabama returns to the road for another Gulf South Conference matchup when the Tigers travel to face Lee University on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
