ITTA BENA, Miss. | The Alabama State University women's soccer team used a first half goal and a strong defensive effort to stay undefeated in conference play with a 1-0 road victory over Mississippi Valley State Sunday afternoon.
 
"I am really pleased with our effort today," Alabama State head coach Jodie Smith said. "We had a lot of positives from the match today, we were really good in the air and winning the 50/50 balls set the tempo."
 
The two teams battled for the first 28 minutes of the match before Alabama State (4-5, 2-0 SWAC) was able to get on the board following a mishandled possession from Mississippi Valley State. A bad pass on the right side of the pitch allowed Ariela Lewis to take the ball and push past the goalkeeper, before she was able to slide home the game winner in the 29th minute into an empty net.
 
"Our pressure created the goal," Smith said. "We were pushed up high and forced a bad pass from Mississippi Valley that Ariela (Lewis) intercepted and put away."
 
Alabama State was able to get off 17 shots, including 10 on goal; while holding Mississippi Valley State to just six shots and three on goal. Gianna Guyot recorded her first shutout of the season while recording three saves for the Lady Hornets.
 
"Defensively we were very organized all day," Smith said. "I am pleased that Gianna (Guyot) was able to keep a clean sheet for the shutout."
 
Alabama State returns home to face Texas Southern Friday, September 27. The match is scheduled for 7 pm at the ASU Soccer Complex.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University women's soccer, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateWSC (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.