CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Ava Smith's first goal of the season in the 33rd minute broke the ice in a slow start for the Lee women's soccer team. The score was assisted by Meagan Tucker. The Lady Flames added two more goals in the first 45 minutes and then tallied three more in the second stanza in posting the 6-0 win over visiting University of West Alabama at the Ray Conn Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.
It was the 500th victory in the rich history of Lee women's soccer. The six goals are the most scored by the Lady Flames since a 10-0 win over Shorter University in 2023. Things will get much tougher for Coach Lee Hughes' team on Saturday as they hit the road for the University of Montevallo (Ala.) in a 6 p.m. GSC affair. The 9th-ranked Lady Flames improved to 4-0-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Tigers dropped to 1-4, 0-2.
Abigail Davis delivered a hard strike from some 20 yards out to put Lee up 2-0 at the 38:22 mark. Abby Chapman tallied her first of two straight goals with 41:11 showing on the clock in the first half. Molly Cook delivered an outstanding assist.
Chapman's second goal came early in the second half (47:27) and put the Lady Flames up 4-0. Isabella Valentine, who was all over the turf most of the game, got the assist off a header. Emma Nelson was next in line for a Lee score. Her second marker of the year was unassisted at the 59:20 mark. The final goal was scored by a happy Maddie Davis. Her first score of the year was assisted by Siri Sternslie.
Led by Whitney Carrigan, Moa Ekman and Aubrey Benfield the Lee defense dominated West Alabama, holding the Tigers to only four shots the entire 90 minutes and just two were on goal. Lee keeper Abby Whitcomb had the two saves. Tiger keeper Yumari Hernandez was charged with the loss. She picked up three saves.
The Lady Flames fired 16 shots and placed nine on target. They also had five corner kicks and allowed the Tigers only one. Each team was whistled for 11 fouls. Coach Hughes took advantage of the lead and used 26 players in the victory.
Coach Lee Hughes's Thoughts:
"Whenever we can use our depth and allow some players to rest and others to get experience it is a good thing. The level of play stayed the same today and that is a testament to our team. We are excited for the challenge against a good team in Montevallo on Saturday."
