Sports

Lady Tigers struggle to score, lose to University of North Texas

Redshirt-freshman goalkeeper Rachel Pugh had 10 saves. Courtesy photo/GSU Athletics

The Grambling State Ladies soccer team just recently played the University of North Texas this past Friday. 

The University of North Texas is a nationally ranked team and GSU did not back down to the completion. 

They showed tremendous grit and perseverance going toe to toe with a nationally ranked opponent. 

Unfortunately, the Lady Tigers fell short 1-0, but there were a lot of promising things to grow and learn from moving forward.

In the first half GSU surrendered a goal which resulted them being down 1-0. 

But from that moment the defense tightened up and the Lady Tigers refused to give up any more goals. 

“Redshirt-freshman Rachel Pugh played an excellent game in goal, making some clutch saves at the top of her box and then a few great diving saves to prevent goals on the line,” head soccer coach Justin Wagar said in a press release. “She stepped up and played solid in goal and had 10 saves on the night.”

In the second half GSU’s team played the ball well but just couldn’t seem to find any rhythm on offense. 

After the match Lady Tigers players said they felt that they could have been more aggressive on the ball, but it just didn’t happen. The players believe that it is something they really need to work on in practice.

The Lady Tigers are now 3-4-1. 

Sophomore Haylee O’Leary said the team has plans for the week off. 

“We will pay attention to detail this week, trying to work our best to perfect our craft,” O’Leary said.  “We feel that we left some points on the board last week, playing against North Texas, we want to learn from the mistakes so we can be better prepared this time around.”

 Rita Siaha, a native from Tucson, Ariz., said this week will be mainly focused on getting better each and every day.

Siaha wants to ensure that the team is ready to go against University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 

The Lady Tigers look to regroup and hit the ground running at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley  Friday, Sept. 20. 

This game should be full of excitement as they try to win this game but knowing they will have their opportunity to prove themselves that they belong next week against nationally ranked, University of Texas. 

The team is looking to come out strong, capitalize on mistakes made last week, and win the game.

The Tigers are planning to be ready and come out mentally and physically prepared.