PINE BLUFF, AR – The UAPB Lady Lions were ready to fight and defend home field against the Lady Bisons of Harding University tonight at Pumphrey Soccer Field. After 90 minutes the Lady Lions' hard work paid off by showing an impressive 4-0 for home on the scoreboard.
Junior Silvia Fuentes opened the scoring at the 23rd minute off a remarkable set piece from 25yrds out. Fuentes' strike curved around the wall and into the upper ninety just past the fingers of the Harding goalkeeper.
The Lady Bisons and the Lady Lions kept playing hard but the score remained 1-0 until the 2nd half. At the 61st minute, Fuentes was fouled in the penalty area and the referee awarded the Lady Lions a penalty shot. Junior defender Erika Forbes stepped up to the spot and placed the ball into the side netting scoring her second goal of the season.
Shortly after Forbes' penalty shot, Fuentes was involved in another goal scoring opportunity. At the 64th minute, junior Rachel Harker launched a ball right onto the head of Fuentes who was just at the 18yrd box. Fuentes flicked the ball over the Harding defender and goalkeeper and was able to turn quickly for an easy kick of the ball into the net. This was Fuentes' third goal of the season.
The Lady Lions continued the pressure and at the 79th minute junior forward Jade West scored her 5th goal in five games. West's goal came off an assist from senior Daphnee Cadet and the second assist came from Rachel Harker. Harker passed an amazing 20yrd ball right to the feet of Cadet who flicked it on for a one-time West strike.
“I think that today's game was the most complete game that the team played so far this season. Harding was a tough team today and their girls played hard and physical against us. I am proud of the result tonight because Harding came out to play. I see growth and improvement in my players and today's game showed that they are able to compete for a full 90 minutes,” said Mazza.
The Lady Lions play again at home Friday evening at 4:00pm versus the Lady Trojans of Arkansas – Little Rock.
