GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University women's soccer team fought hard on Friday evening and battled the elements in a 2-0 loss to North Dakota, in a game called due to darkness, at the GSU Soccer Complex.
The Lady Tigers (2-6) surrendered a goal in the 25th minute as Katie Moller scored off an assist by Olivia Knox to give the Fighting Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
Just after Moller's goal, the center official called for a 30-minute lightning delay.
After the delay, Grambling State and North Dakota played the final 20 minutes of the first half with the Fighting Hawks holding a 1-0 advantage.
Knox and Mara Yapello assisted on Karly Sandoval's goal in the 52nd minute to give North Dakota (5-1-1) a 2-0 lead.
Heavy rains and darkness closed out the final five minutes of the game as the head official called the game with 4:38 remaining to give North Dakota the victory.
Turning Point
Grambling State controlled most of the action through the first 24 minutes of the game, but Oliva Knox's cross toward the back post found Katie Moller for the first goal, and first shot for the Fighting Hawks.
The Lady Tigers came out of the half energized, but on a counter attack, Knox and Mara Yapello found Karly Sandoval on the right side of the penalty area and she buried the ball into the left side netting to put North Dakota ahead by two goals.
Inside the Numbers
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Hanna Johnson started in goal for the Lady Tigers and played 59 minutes and registered two saves.
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Rita Siaha worked the final 28 minutes and did not record a save.
> Oliva Swenson finished with five saves in 86 minutes of action for the Fighting Hawks.
> Grambling State tallied eight shots, with five on target.
> North Dakota registered six shots, including four on frame.
> The Lady Tigers held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.
> There were 24 fouls and one yellow card.
Up Next
The Lady Tigers continue their four-game homestand with a 5 p.m. match on Sunday as Texas A&M-Texarkana visits the GSU Soccer Complex.
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