CHENEY, Wash. | The Grambling State University women's soccer team got an early goal by Kristy Melendez, but the Lady Tigers couldn't hold in a 2-1 loss to Eastern Washington on Sunday afternoon at the EWU Soccer Field.

"The team battled hard today against a very talented team," Grambling State head coach Justin Wagar said. "Eastern (Washington) has gone to the national tournament two years in a row and we competed with them on the road today with chances to take the lead in the second half. We'll learn and grow from these games. It was a great experience for our program."
 
For the first time in the young season, Grambling State (1-3-0) reversed its fortune of playing from behind as the Lady Tigers notched a goal in the 13th minute. Kaylee Holt assisted on free-kick goal as Kristy Melendez found the back of the net for her first goal of the season, giving Grambling State a 1-0 advantage.
 
However, Eastern Washington (2-1-1) got the game level at 1 just three minutes later when Devan Talley scored on an assist by Emma Vanderhyden in the 16th minute.
 
The match remained tied at 1 until the 81st minute when Mya Elder-Hammond assisted on Allison Raniere's goal to give the Eagles a 2-1 advantage.
 
Turning Point
Grambling State notched the opening goal, but it was Eastern Washington that answered three minutes later to the the game at 1.
 
Allison Raniere's goal capped the comeback in the 81st minute as the Lady Tigers could not recover.
 
Inside the Numbers
> Hanna Johnson started in goal for the Lady Tigers and played 45 minutes in the net, with two saves.
> Rita Siaha finished the final half in goal and registered one save.
> Kelsee Winston tallied four saves in 90 minutes for Eastern Washington.
> Grambling State finished with eight shots, with five on target.
> Eastern Washington recorded 17 shots, including five on goal.
> The Eagles led the way in corner kicks, 11-1.
> There were 47 total fouls and three yellow cards between the two teams.
 
News & Notes
> The game was the first meeting between Grambling State and Eastern Washington.
> The Lady Tigers went 1-3 on the season-opening road trip.
> The game was broadcasted and streamed live through the Big Sky network and PlutoTV.
> Kristy Melendez netted her first goal of the season.
 
Up Next
Grambling State will have its 2018 home opener on Friday when Southern Miss comes to town. The match is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the GSU Soccer Complex. The Lady Tigers will wrap up the two-match homestand on Sunday, with a 5 p.m. match against LSU-Shreveport.
 
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