Box Score TULSA, Okla. ? The UALR Trojans women's soccer team (3-4) made sure they left Oklahoma on a high note as they took down the Tulsa Hurricanes (1-4-1) by a 1-0 score. The shutout was the first of the Trojans this season and the first shutout since Oct. 28, 2006 when they defeated Arkansas State 1-0 in an overtime victory.
“I thought the first half was very even,” said head coach Greg Hess. “We came out quick in the second half and scored a quick goal. Then we started thinking too defensively and Tulsa came at us in numbers over the last 35 minutes. Heather Pittman did a great job making sure our defense stayed together.”
Trojan forward Grace Rich scored her second goal of the season off a pass from Trojan Leanne Mihelich in the 49th minute. That would be the difference maker as the Trojans only got four shots on goal for the entire game, with Rich and Mihelich taking two each.
Once again, the Trojans relied heavily on freshman goalie Jane Picarelli and she did not disappoint in goal. She stopped all 12 shots that came her way to pick up the win.
“Jane had a great game,” said Hess. “A lot of her saves came from shots that were hit far out, but she made one huge save in the first half, stopping a breakaway. That could have changed the game if she didn't make that save.”
Rich and Trojan defender Heather Pittman both made the ORU/Tulsa Invitational All-tournament team for their efforts on Friday and Sunday.
The Trojans hope to end their non-Sunday curse as they travel to Conway, Ark. next Friday Sept. 21 to take on Central Arkansas at 4 pm before returning home Sunday Sept. 23 for the first game of a three-game home stand, beginning with Northwestern State at 1 pm. The game against Northwestern State is the final non-conference game the Trojans play in the 2007 season.
