CLEVELAND, Tenn. - The Lee University women's soccer team lost their first game of the season to the University of West Florida on Friday evening. The Argos scored in the 54^th minute off of an own goal by the Lady Flames. With the loss, Lee falls to 7-1-4 overall and 5-1-2 in Gulf South Conference play. UWF improved to 10-2-1 overall and 8-1 in GSC action 
 
Neither team was able to get much going early in the game. Most of the action was centered in the middle of the field. The Lady Flames had a couple of shots from Alexis Hale that were saved by UWF. The Argos dialed up the pressure and earned a couple of corners. The Argo shots as a result of the corners went wide.
 
The Argos came out pressing in early in the second half. They had three straight corner kicks in the 53^rd and 54^th minute. On the third one, the Lady Flames had a ball go awry and bounce into the back of the net. 
 
After the goal, Lee dialed up pressure but could not break through. Ellie Crisler had a huge shot in the 82^nd minute but it hit the bottom of the crossbar. Crisler had another chance a minute later, but UWF's goalkeeper Maciah Lipsey had a strong save. 
 
Ruth Edrington and Addison Smith each had opportunities before the end of the game, but Lipsey made a save on each of the shots.
 
Head Coach Chris Hennessey knew his team played hard this evening. "We knew a loss was going to come at some point. I think it is better that it comes now in the season. Now the question is how will we respond. Credit to UWF they played a very tough game today."
 
It is the first loss for the Lady Flames since a 3-0 loss to Mississippi College on April 3, 2021.  It was also the first loss for Lee to UWF since a 1-0 loss on October 5, 2018.
 
The Lady Flames will continue at home and take on Spring Hill College on Sunday, October 9 at 1 PM at the Ray Conn Sports Complex. The Lady Flames will honor four seniors before the start of the match.