After losing three straight games, the Grambling State women’s soccer team has turned their fortunes around, and are now on a four-game winning streak. This past Friday, the Lady Tigers opened up conference play against the injury-plagued Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The Lions lost 6-0 to the Tigers. Friday’s victory improved the team to 10-1 against the SWAC in the last 11 games.
GSU’s (6-5) offense looked almost unstoppable at times during the contest. Although the stats can be misleading, the team converted on almost every opportunity UAPB gave them. The lady Tigers managed only six corner kicks and eight shots.
However, on this day they proved to be a better team all the way around.
“It is conference time and it is time to get focused,” said head coach Tamura Crawley. “We have had time to build our confidence mentally by playing division 1A opponents, which prepares us for SWAC teams.”
On the defensive end, the Tigers put a stranglehold on the lady Lions offense. UAPB (1-4) had no points, no corner kicks and no shots the entire game.
UAPB, including the coach was in total disarray. They just could not figure out a solution for the Tigers offense or defense.
In the second half, Pine Bluff came out with physical play and at times they seem to show their frustration, which lead to eight fouls in the game.
This was a very important win for the Tigers, and it sends a message to the rest of the SWAC.
“We have to defend our crown this year and the title defense starts now,” added freshmen forward Ashley Baker.
The Tigers started off slow last season going 0-4 but finished strong with a 9-0-1 record in conference play, owning their SWAC counterparts.
It is very important that the team is consistent as it heads down the key stretch of their season. The Tigers are back in action against Jackson State on Oct 7. Kickoff is set for 2p.m.