MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A spirited effort defensively led to the Lady Eagles hanging tough with the reigning national champions but the No. 1 ranked Firehawks pulled away late in a 3-0 result Tuesday night at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium.

Under constant pressure from an offense that returned 91 goals and 104 assists from their title season last year, the defense held strong including two goal line clearances from Gianna Mendez until an untimely whistle gave the visitors a penalty they would covert for a 1-0 advantage in the 14th minute that they would hold through halftime. 

A couple second half goals put the match out of reach as the defensive effort limited UTS to the smallest margin of victory against an unranked foe since 2020. 

Keila Cardiero Carmona saved nine shots in her season debut. 

The Lady Eagles travel to Rome, Ga. to take on NCAA DII Shorter Friday at 7 p.m. for the first meeting between the former conference foes since 2011.  Read Full Article