UWA women’s soccer suffers first loss of season
Published 8:30 am Wednesday, September 11, 2013
FLORENCE – West Alabama women’s soccer suffered its first loss of the 2013 season to North Alabama 3-2 in double overtime in non-conference play on Tuesday.
“We were unfortunate tonight,” said UWA head women’s soccer coach Graeme Orr. “Our attitude was good tonight, but these are two really good teams and one had to come out on top. We were the better team at times, but this will give us motivation when we see them again in the conference.”
West Alabama (1-1) snared the first lead over North Alabama (2-1) with set piece by junior Nicki Gears in the 30′ from 25 yards out. Gears then struck again in the 85′ after a two-goal retaliation by the Lions to equalize the match at 2-2 in regulation.
In the second overtime, UNA had the final response with a goal by Abby Frannin in the 118′; her second of the game.
Freshman goalkeeper Issy Foster played all 120 minutes, but allowed her first three goals of the season to pick up her first loss. UNA keeper Rachel
Beninati proved to be a deciding factor, picking up nine saves as the Tigers outshot the Lions 20-11.
UWA women’s soccer will now travel to take on the Falcons of the University of Montevallo on Friday. The match is set for 7 p.m. in Montevallo.