The Grambling State University Lady Tigers took on the Northwestern State Lady Demons in a nonconference head-to-head battle Friday, Aug. 30 at the GSU Soccer Complex at 5:50 p.m.
The Lady Tigers got off to a rather slow start with having zero shots on goal to Northwestern State’s six as they went into the first half water break. As play continued, not much changed and both teams went into halftime scoreless.
Coming out of halftime, the Tigers came out with a new-found energy and spark, pushing the pace and playing with a lot of physicality.
As the half progressed the play began to get a little too physical. The ladies earned a total of four yellow cards over the second half but were able to get into the teeth of Northwestern’s defense.
Midway through the second half and it is still all tied up at 0, and the ladies desperately need a goal to take a commanding advantage in this game.
Freshman #2 Michaela Danyo did just that. The Seattle, Washington, native received an amazing pass from freshman #23 Makayla Miller that set her up to drive the ball in the back of the net to put the Lady Tigers up 1-0 in the game.
Going into the last 10 minutes of the game, Northwestern State was in complete panic mode trying to get themselves back into the game.
The Lady Demons clawed and scratched as much as they could, attempting several shots on goal and coming up empty-handed on all shots.
With five minutes left on the clock, their hope of winning the game began to slip from their fingers. But Northwestern State would not go down without a fight.
With 3:29 on the clock the Lady Demons took their most promising shot on goal all day and with an amazing save, senior veteran Hannah Johnson secured the win for the Lady Tigers.
Johnson had a great game playing all 90 minutes with six saves on the night to contribute to a big win for the Lady Tigers.
Despite injuries in this game the Tigers showed a lot of resilience and poise to not have any drop in intensity, pace and energy when their teammates went down.
The win will move them to a record of 3-1 continuing nonconference play.
“Amazing” is all true freshman Michaela Danyo had to say about the game-winning goal she scored. It was also Danyo’s first collegiate goal.
“We need to work on our high press and connecting the ball to each other more and we will be good,” said Danyo after being asked how to remain successful as they continue non-conference play going on the road.
The Lady Tigers will be on the road for their next two games in a tournament in Oklahoma, where they will be facing off against the University of Tulsa on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. and Oral Roberts University on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.