MILLEDGVILLE, Ga. - After playing a rugged non-conference schedule to open the 2015 season, the Lee women's soccer team will head into the Gulf South Conference opener on Sunday evening with several players trying to find a way to compete at near full strength.
The Lady Flames faced another tough challenge on Wednesday evening against NCAA Division II opponent Georgia College. Coach Chris Hennessey's ladies fought to find the right combination to put the ball into the back of the net but were unsuccessful in the 0-0 draw. The second tie of the season sends the Lady Flames into conference play with a 1-2-2 record, while the Night Hawks stand at 2-1-2.
"We are really beat up," admitted Hennessey. "But I'm really proud of the effort and the heart our team displayed tonight. Because of injuries, we had to play a lot of girls out of their normal positions, or I think we could have found a way to score a couple of goals. We had our chances."
The final stats show exactly what the Lee coach was talking about. The Lady Flames were able to fire 20 shots and put five on target. Lee's defense held Georgia College to 12 shots and two were on goal. Lee goalkeeper Haley Gribler was credited with two saves, while Georgia College keeper Ashlee Graham was listed with four.
Lee out-shot the home team 8-2 in the first period but the Night Hawks bounced back to fire eight shots in the second half and Lee had seven kicks. In the two overtimes, Lee produced five shots to only two for the team from the Peach Belt Conference. The Lady Flames were awarded seven corner kicks to just two for the Georgia squad.
"No doubt we will have two or three players who will be questionable for Sunday's game at North Alabama," noted Hennessey. "Our girls did not concede anything tonight and will go into Sunday's game with the same type of attitude. We just have to find a way to battle through the injuries. I want to give head trainer Jeff Mullins and his staff credit. They have done a remarkable job of working with our injured players."
Lee will travel to Florence and face a North Alabama squad that is coached by former Lee Flames Chris Walker. He was also a former assistant coach for the Lady Flames before accepting the head position at North Alabama.
