In a contest that the Lee women's soccer team completely dominated, it took a goal by freshman Mallory Hayden (second of year) in the 88th minute (87:33) to give the Lady Flames a 1-0 victory over host and defensive-minded Union University on Friday afternoon at the Smith Memorial Soccer Complex. Junior Riley Henry delivered the assist as determined Lee, led by attacking senior Riley Engels, continued to push forward the entire game.
The victory improved the 15th-ranked Lee club to 4-1-0 in conference play and 8-2 overall.
The Bulldogs dropped to 1-4, 2-6. Since both squads joined the GSC and D2, Union has yet to score a goal against the Lady Flames.
"Union is always a tough place to play and a win on the road is always good. Overall, I was very happy with our effort but as a team we have to start taking accountability in front of the goal and finishing some of the opportunities we create," explained Lee head coach Chris Hennessey.
The Lee coach was pointing directly at 23 shots (16 in second half) taken by his Lady Flames. Ten of the shots were on target. Union goalkeepers Rylee Iorio and Anna Venckus accounted for nine saves. The Bulldogs only had three shots the entire evening against Lee's stout defense and just one was on frame. Taylor Green played the entire 90 minutes in goal for Lee and had one save to improve her record to 8-2. The Lady Flames were awarded eight corner kicks. The Bulldogs had three, all coming late in the contest.
The West Tennessee adventures continue for Lee on Sunday at 1 p.m. when they move into Memphis to face Christian Brothers University. The Bucs took a 3-1-1 GSC, 7-2-1 overall record into their game with Shorter on Friday. The Lady Flames will remain on the road next weekend, facing Montevallo on Friday and Auburn Montgomery on Sunday.
"Rest and recover is vital now as we head to play a Christian Brothers team that is very much improved right now," concluded Hennessey.