SFA Opens Spring Schedule with 3-0 Win at ULM
2/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Stephen F. Austin 3, Louisiana-Monroe 0
ULM Soccer Complex • Monroe, La.
Records: SFA (1-0); ULM (0-1)
Up Next: vs. Tulsa/UL-Lafayette • Saturday, March 5 • Dallas
MONROE, La. - The Stephen F. Austin women's soccer team started its spring season on the right foot on Saturday afternoon, beating Louisiana-Monroe 3-0 in the offseason opener at the ULM Soccer Complex.
"It was great to get back out on the field in amazing weather and play," said head coach Wally Crittenden. "Our kids are really fit and have been working very hard in implementing new movements and expectations with how we want to play. There was some really good soccer on Saturday and I am excited about where this could lead throughout the semester.
"We'll keep moving forward and address some areas that we feel are critical to improve on this week before we get ready to play two more good games against Tulsa and Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday."
One of the most dangerous forwards in the Southland Conference last fall, Hanna Barker started the spring slate with a bang. The sophomore found the net twice against the Warhawks to fuel the Ladyjack attack. A corner kick sequence set up one of her goals, which ended with a driven ball from the wing finding its way past the ULM keeper. Barker also snuck one by off a shot from distance.
Sophomore forward Michaela Mencacci also got into the scoring column on Saturday after cleaning up a rebound in the box. Meghan Corder ripped a shot off the crossbar that nearly bounced in, and Mencacci left no doubt with the follow in the box.
SFA dictated tempo throughout the match, keeping the Warhawk scoring opportunities limited. Goalkeepers Lillie Ehlert and Allyson Smith combined for the shutout. The duo was sharp in collecting crosses and penetrating passes all afternoon.
The Ladyjacks also beat the Warhawks during the 2015 fall season. Rachel Owens scored the game-winner on September 11 in a 1-0 victory for SFA in its home opener.
The `Jacks will play two more exhibition games next Saturday at Moneygram Park - the home of FC Dallas. SFA will open against Tulsa at 10:00 a.m. before taking on Louisiana-Lafayette at 12:45 p.m.
-SFA-
