MONTGOMERY , Alabama – Lee rebounded from a Friday evening conference defeat to turn back defensive-minded Auburn Montgomery 1-0 at the AUM Soccer Complex under vastly improved weather conditions on Sunday afternoon.
"It was a tough weekend for us but the main thing; we didn't come back empty handed. We need to be a lot more ruthless in front of goal and have some more desire to finish teams off, taking the pressure off our back four - who I thought played tremendously well all weekend," explained Lee head coach Chris Hennessey.
Senior Emma Higgins finally got what turned out to be the game-winner in the 78
th minute. It was her sixth goal of the year and was assisted by senior teammate Carly Smoltz, her second assist of the season.
The Lady Flames dominated the GSC contest by firing 22 shots (10 first half, 12 second half) while the Warhawks were managing only six shots (2 first half, 4 second half). Lee had nine shots on goal while AUM was limited to just one shot on frame by the strong Lady Flames defense. Lee improved to 6-2 GSC, 11-3 overall. AUM dropped to 1-7-1, 1-12-1.
Lee senior keeper Taylor Green turned away the Warhawks only serious attack on goal after a free kick inside the Lee 25. Ariel Jones had her team's only shot on goal. It was Green's 11
th win of the year while AUM keeper Dejon Fletcher was credited with eight saves but took the loss.
While Higgins attempted six shots overall and had three on goal, Riley Henry fired three shots and Kelsey Yoder attempted four. Lee's domination continued to be displayed when they received eight corner kicks to none for the host. The physical game saw the Lady Flames whistled for 11 fouls and AUM 10.
The Lady Flames return to the Lee Soccer Field on Friday (5 p.m.) and face West Alabama to help kickoff the University's annual homecoming. They will be back in action on Sunday, testing Alabama Huntsville (1 p.m.).
"We now face a West Alabama team that is flying high. So, as the staff, we need to prepare the team and get ready for another challenging weekend," concluded Hennessey. West Alabama is 8-1-1 in the conference standings and 10-3-1 overall, coming off two weekend wins.
