Box Score
Not even a 90 minute delay due to a thunderstorm could disrupt the winning spirit of the Lee women's soccer team on Sunday night as they defeated visiting North Alabama 2-0.

It was the opening match of Gulf South Conference play for both squads and it also pitted Lee coach Matt Yelton against his former assistant Chris Walker. The Lady Flames jumped out to a 1-0 advantage by halftime and were never seriously threatened.

The victory gives Lee a 2-3-1 overall mark, while it was the first defeat of the season for the Lions who dropped to 4-1-1 overall. The Lady Flames will enjoy a short break before returning to GSC action on Friday at 7 p.m. when they host West Georgia.

"Tonight's win was a really good result for us and I think another step in the right direction for our team," said Lee coach Matt Yelton. "We've worked hard in training and we are a better team than we were two weeks ago when the season started. With such a young team, I think we are starting to show the potential that we have going forward."

Lee took the lead in the 16th minute when Katie Cloud scored on an excellent cross delivered by Kinsey Cichowitz. Lee missed a couple of other opportunities to score in the opening half, once when North Alabama goalkeeper Rachel Beninati blocked a penalty kick by Cichowitz. On another occasion, Lee missed a point-blank shot on goal.

"Tonight was a hard game for me personally as coaching against Chris (Walker) is like coaching against one of my brothers," added Yelton. "But I believe he's doing a great job and that his team will have a lot of success moving forward."

The Lady Flames padded the margin to 2-0 in the 76th minute and also sealed the big victory. Kaela Leskovar recorded her third goal of the season off a double-assist from Nicole Blanchard and Michelle Spangler.

"We haven't started hitting our goal-scoring stride yet," added Yelton, "but our backs are playing really well and I think we are starting to develop a good understanding in the midfield. Bottom line for me is that we are showing a great deal of character and commitment to doing things the right way."

Lee took 15 shots in the match and eight were placed on goal. The solid Lady Flame defense held North Alabama to just 10 shots the entire night. Four of those shots were on goal and all four were saved by Marbel Egwuenu, putting a wrap on an outstanding week in goal for Yelton's squad. Beninati had six saves in the loss. She left in the 59th minute with an injury.

North Alabama was awarded three corner kicks, while Lee had six corners, all coming in the second half.