MACON, Ga. – The Alabama State University women's soccer team lost its penultimate non-conference match of the season against the Mercer Bears, 5-0, on Sunday afternoon at Betts Stadium.
The Hornets (0-6-1) faced another strong squad with a winning record on Sunday, and while the defense kept the game close in the first half, the Bears (5-3) pulled away for its second straight victory and fourth shutout of the season.
The Hornets held a strong, Southern Conference offense to a lone goal in the first half, giving the team a path to come out of the locker room and make things competitive. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Bears took full control and padded its lead as the clock wound down.
Bama State attempted ten total shots, with sophomore
Serenity Safeeullah leading the way with three goals, and one being on target. First-year Hornets
Tyra Sterling and
Tamami Nishio each attempted a pair of shots, the latter putting one on frame.
Mercer rotated keepers throughout the game, with starter Valentina Ronga earning the win after making a save in her 14.5 minutes of action. Alabama State's
Valentina Espinel, who has played admirably in each of her starts in Southern Miss and Arkansas State, made a trio of saves in her complete-game effort in defeat.
Despite a heavy shot advantage, Mercer only held a 6-5 advantage on shots over the Hornets. The Bears also held a 5-3 edge in saves and a 9-4 advantage in corners.
The Lady Hornets turn its attention to next Sunday's meeting against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, who host Alabama State at the Jax State Soccer Complex on September 13 in its final non-conference matchup before conference play begins at home against Alcorn State on Sept. 27.
