Box Score LITTLE ROCK - Three first-half goals helped UALR (6-8-0, 2-3-0 SBC) bury the visiting ULM Warhawks (5-8-1, 0-5-0 SBC) by a 3-0 final Friday night at Burns Park. The Trojans put three goals on the board in the first 30 minutes of the match, while goalkeepers Michelle Pittman and Rebecca Clements combined to make eight saves en route to UALR's second shutout victory of the year.
"I thought we did a good job," said head coach Freddy Delgado. "I thought we came out ready to play and scored some early goals, and I think that over the long haul those early goals really helped us."
The three goals in the first half were a season-high for the Trojans in a single period. Freshman Alyson Rohane got things started with a goal just 1:13 into the contest, followed by a second score by senior Christina Veasley (5:44) and a third by sophomore Holly Holland (28:14) to give the Trojans three goals in the first 30 minutes of the opening frame.
All three of the Trojans' goals came courtesy of rebounded shots.
First, Rohane put UALR on the board when a Jacquelyn Paz header was blocked by the ULM keeper back into the box, where senior Kristen Semko corralled it and dumped it off to Rohane, who finished the play with the first goal of her collegiate career.
Just four and a half minutes later, Veasley increased the Trojan lead to two when she rebounded an Adrianna Queen shot off the post and beat the keeper for her fourth goal of 2011.
The goal was Veasley's 24th of her career, giving her sole possession of fifth place all-time at UALR. Her four goals this season tie her with fellow senior Rachael Maina for the team lead.
Finally, UALR finished its first-half barrage with a goal by Holland in the 29th minute. The Little Rock-native rebounded a shot by Rohane that deflected off the crossbar and found the back of the net for her second goal of the season.
The UALR defense played well throughout the match, surrendering 10 total shots to the Warhawks and eight shots on frame.
"I think our defense played great," said senior defender Aubrey Tafoya. "We've played great all season, and tonight just really proved all of our hard work in practice that we've been building up towards."
Pittman made seven stops between the pipes before giving way to the freshman Clements for the final 28 minutes.
"The shutout was just big for the team," said Pittman. "We've only had one so far, it's good for us to get the extra one. It builds confidence."
Eight yellow cards were issued, while the two teams combined for 31 fouls in a match that was physical from beginning to end.
"My defensive line played wonderful," said Pittman. "The midfield and the forwards really built a great rhythm together to get us a 3-0 victory."
UALR led in shots 18-10, including a 10-8 tally in shots on goal. UALR took the only two corner kicks of the night and were whistled for 13 fouls compared to 18 for the Warhawks.
UALR will now begin gearing up for Sunday, as it tries to get its Sun Belt record back to the .500 mark against Louisiana-Lafayette. First kick is slated for 1 p.m.
