SHSU Hosts Defensive Minded UCA Bears On Sunday

Courtesy: Paul Ridings, SHSU Sports Information

After winning their first match on the new turf at Joseph Pritchett Field Friday night, the Sam Houston women’s soccer team faces one of its biggest challenges so far during the 2012 season.

Central Arkansas visits Pritchett at 1 p.m. Sunday, bringing the Southland Conference’s best overall record and top scoring offense to Huntsville.

The Bears have won eight of their 11 matches this season.

UCA and Northwestern State battled to a 0-0 tie in both team’s league opener Saturday night.

Central Arkansas forward Adriana Lucar is the Southland’s leading goal scorer.

She has knocked in 14 goals in 11 games this year. UCA has outscored its opponents 38 goals to eight in non-conference competition.

Sam Houston started Southland play with a 2-0 victory over Nicholls State Friday night.

Tricia Mallory and Kirby Zak scored the goals for the Kats in the second half.

“We’ve been playing great defense all year and it was good to get the offense going with a couple of goals in our conference opener,” Mallory said.

Her goal marked her third this season and the 22nd of her career.

The UCA contest Sunday sets up an interesting matchup between the Southland’s highest scoring offense and one of the league’s top defenses.

Sam Houston has surrendered only 10 goals in 11 matches, posting four shutouts this season.