The Lady Lions celebrate following a victory in their home opener this season. They will next be in action Tuesday, September 1 in Strawberry Stadium  against Southern University. The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

After a well-played game against defending national champions Florida State University, the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions soccer team ended the game with a 3-0 loss to the Seminoles. According to lionsports.net, 2,194 spectators were present for the match, the fifth largest crowd in FSU history.  

Numerous weather delays plagued the game, delaying the event for as long as ninety minutes. A massive crowd was also cheering for the Florida State Seminoles. Despite these challenges, the Lady Lions played well. Preventing seven shots by FSU. Junior goalkeeper Hope Sabadash was a bulwark at the Lions’ goal. Junior defender Katie Noonan also helped create a mighty defense, reducing the effectiveness of FSU All-American Cheyna Williams. The Lady Lions were also active on the offensive side of the ball.  Senior midfielder Gisenia Utreras had a good night filled with strong play, and managed to take two shots at the FSU goal.  Senior forward Kayla Vera also brought the ball forward. Vera as well as sophomore midfielder Maggie Ramsey each managed a shot at the FSU goal. 

When Head Coach Blake Hornbuckle was asked what he had learned, he was happy to answer.  

“I learned about the strength and the character of my team,” said Hornbuckle. “Although we were kept on the defensive for most of the game, there was no quitting from any of the players.”  

FSU managed to get an early lead two minutes into the game despite the Lady Lions’ defense. A short way in the game, a shot was made by FSU freshman Kaycie Tillman, and Sabadash was unable to stop it from becoming a goal. 

After the first goal, one of the game’s weather delays occurred. After the delay, the game continued, and FSU freshman Natalia Kuikka scored a goal, this one 18 yards away from the goal. Junior Kirsten Crowley scored the final goal of the game for FSU in the 60th minute. The Lady Lions would hold FSU scoreless for the remaining 35 minutes of the game.

Despite the loss, Hornbuckle enjoyed the game.  

“It was a fantastic atmosphere,” Hornbuckle said. “A huge crowd was present, and the ladies had looked forward to this game for a long time.”  

The Lady Lions will take the field once again on Tuesday, September 1, and host in-state rival Southern at Strawberry Stadium. The game is set for 7:00 p.m., and subscribers to LionVision can access a live stream of the match at lionsports.net. Admission to all Lion and Lady Lions games is free for students who choose to attend the game in person.