(October 22, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a pair of road losses, the ladies returned home on Sunday afternoon to finish their season. The ladies had an outside chance to make the South District Tournament this coming week, but LSU-Eunice tied their match on Saturday, which ended the Bucks season. The ladies final match was against Connors State College on Sophomore Day. Three sophomores were honored after the match: Brisa Aguilar (Dallas, TX), Abbie Sunners (Liverpool, England), & Emmaleigh Daniel (Stephenville, TX).

 

UARM said goodbye to three of their teammates today, which added to the overall motivation for everyone to send them off with a good result. UARM was quickly on the attack and took the lead in the 7^th minute when a 20 yard free kick from Carla Todd (Lochgilphead, United Kingdom) squirted under the goalkeeper. Another set play 8 minutes later led to the second goal. An in swinging corner kick from Abbie Sunners (Liverpool, England) deflected off a defender before Carla Todd poked the ball home from close range. UARM was determined to keep the pressure high, and this high energy enabled Jasmin Nielson (Aabybro, Denmark) to get free down the left wing to then cut the ball back for Abbie Sunners to control, and then, she hit a powerful shot passed the goalkeeper.

 

Connors fought hard and managed to create attacking situations, which UARM had to work hard to defend against. After saving a shot, goalkeeper Jazmine Pacheco (Tulsa, OK) punted the ball forward which found Todd. She controlled the ball out of the air, turned, and made a pin point pass to Jasmin Nielsen as she was running goalwards. Jasmin took this opportunity to shoot, and the ball flew into the top corner to make the score 4-0. Three more goals were scored late in the first half starting with Carla Todd shooting at the near post beating a diving keeper. The 6^th goal was the best of the game. Abbie Sunners received the ball in midfield, and her delightful 40 yard pass found Jasmin Nielsen on the run. Her perfect first touch set up the shooting opportunity, which she took to send the ball into the corner of the net.  Jasmin scored again to end the half when Todd pulled the ball back form the end line for Nieslen to finish with a one touch shot.

 

With a 7-0 goal lead, UARM took their foot off 'the gas' and only managed to score one more time in the 52^nd minute with Jasmin Nielsen setting up Carla Todd to shoot from close in to the goal. The Bucks win on Sophomore Day 8-0.

 

The win evened their overall record to 9-9-0 on the season. The ladies had the top point getters and goal scorers in the region with Jasmin Nielsen (62 points, 28 goals, & 6 assists) and Carla Todd (49 points, 15 goals, and 11 assists).

 

Coach Kevin Sherry was excited for his team and looking forward to next season. "I am glad we said goodbye to Brisa, Emmaleigh, and Abbie today with a win, and we want to take this opportunity to thank them all for their hard work and sacrifices. I was pleased with the result, but was happier with the way the ladies played. The passing and overall play was very pleasant to watch, which sets us up nicely for the off season as we start to work in preperation for next season."