GSU eliminates UAPB 2-0 in SWAC soccer tourney
Photo by Tyrez Montague
Aria Whitney traps a ball in the midfield during Grambling State University’s 2-0 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — After a scoreless first half, Grambling netted two second-half goals to eliminate Arkansas-Pine Bluff 2-0 in the opening round of the 2021 Southwestern Athletic Conference Spring Women’s Soccer Tournament at the Lady Panther Soccer Field on the campus of Prairie View A&M. The win marks the second victory over the Lady Lions in less than one week.
“First of all, I give credit to Pine Bluff for making it a challenging contest,” said GSU head coach Craig Roberts. “Defensively, I felt we had a solid game. Lindsey did an incredible job back there, and Mac came through with a great header.
“I felt the girls listened well to the adjustments we made at halftime and implemented them well. Most of all I was pleased with the squad performance, and everyone did their part to remain consistent. Today we displayed a solid team performance, and we are now refocusing on the next challenge,” said Coach Roberts.
Grambling (7-2-1 overall, 6-1-1 SWAC) super striker Kailey Pena scored the match-winning goal in the 53rd minute while teammate Mackenzie Rastatter added a late insurance goal for Grambling off an assist from Kamaron Powell.
The match-winner was Pena’s 14th goal of the spring season.
GSU goalkeeper Britt Verhees and the back line were responsible for another clean sheet for the Tigers, which put them in prime position for Friday’s rival match with Southern. The Grambling defenders stood strong all afternoon and allowed just one shot throughout the entire match for the Lady Lions.
Grambling State advanced to the semifinals of the SWAC Tournament and squared off with conference rival Southern on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The winner of that match advances to the SWAC Championship match on Sunday at 11 a.m.
