The Lee University women's soccer team chalked up its sixth straight victory on Sunday afternoon scoring a convincing 2-0 victory over Alabama Huntsville at the Lee Soccer Field.
The Lady Flames moved into a tie with West Alabama with a 5-1 record in Gulf South Conference play. Later on Sunday West Florida pinned a 3-2 defeat on North Alabama allowing Lee to grab a share of the top spot.
The final 2-0 margin was a bit deceiving as Lee dominated mid-field play and had several well-placed shots on goal that were turned away by Charger goalkeeper Larae Breaux. The official stats show Lee firing 26 shots and placing 14 on target. Time and time again Breaux came up with outstanding saves and finished with 11 on the afternoon. On the other end, the Lee defense limited Huntsville to only eight shots and four were on goal. Erin Olson picked up the win and was credited with four saves.
The Lady Flames got the only goal they would need in the opening nine minutes of play. Nicole Blanchard carded her second score of the year on a well-placed assist by Katie Cloud. After receiving the cross from Cloud, Blanchard nudged her shot past the keeper from three yards out.
The final goal of the day came off the foot of Lauren Peters. It was her second score of the season. Summer Lanter and Kinsey Cichowitz got the double assist off a pass into the box from the wing.
"It was another good weekend of soccer by our girls," said coach Chris Hennessey. "We are starting to play our style of soccer and the girls are finding their rhythm. But we got five huge games remaining. We can't afford to slack up now."
The Lee coach praised the effort of his defense. "Laura Thacker, McKenzie Bricker, Meagan Newman and Kinsey (Cichowitz) have really come together. Erin Olson did a nice job in goal for us today.
From that point on, Breaux turned away a barrage of shots by the Lady Flames. The 2-0 advantage allowed coach Hennessey to give several of his regulars some badly needed minutes to relax in the second 45 minutes.
Overall, the Lady Flames are now 6-3-2 on the year. Huntsville dropped to 2-4-1 in GSC play and they stand at 5-5-2 overall. The Lady Flames will make long road trips to Delta State and Mississippi College next weekend before returning home to host Christian Brothers on Oct. 23.
