MONTGOMERY, ALA. – It was that close. 

For 80 minutes, the Alabama State women's soccer team carried the lead against Sun Belt Conference contender and in-state rival Troy before falling late 3-2 in an intense rollercoaster of a match Tuesday night at the ASU Soccer Complex.

The Lady Hornets put together a surge in the waning minutes of the first half, closing strong with goals from junior Ariela Lewis and freshman Larissa White to put them up 2-1 heading into halftime.

Ar. Lewis shot it from toward the middle of the field and inside the box for her first goal in nearly two years after missing all, but one match in 2014. 

White launched the Lady Hornets' second goal from about 15 yards away to give ASU two goals in a two-minute span. 

"Confidence wise, I'm sure this will only help her," said Smith of Ariela Lewis' goal.

"For Larissa [White], it was good to see her get her first official regular season goal out of the way. 

Again, I feel confident that we are going to be able to score goals."

Troy (2-1) rallied back with heavy pressure in the second half, gaining a 15-0 shots advantage after halftime.

ASU (0-2) held their ground until the 80^th minute when Alissa Jones, the Trojans' top returning scorer from last season, found the back of the net. 

Then, Troy received the game-winner from Brooke McKee, whose second goal of the night rocketed in from straightaway. 

ASU goalkeeper Gianna Guyot made 10 saves in a full match. 

Alabama State will travel to Spartanburg, SC to play South Carolina-Upstate on Friday at 4 p.m. central time. 

                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#