Box Score NATCHITOCHES – Shelby Balmer scored the first goal of the game, but Louisiana-Lafayette scored two to beat the Northwestern State soccer team 2-1 in a non-conference match-up Sunday afternoon.

“Louisiana-Lafayette is always a hard fought battle, and I think both teams played well,” said head coach George Van Linder.
NSU (5-5) got off to an early start, scoring at the 20-minute mark when Balmer earned her first collegiate goal as sophomore Taylor Mulnix crossed the ball in from outside of the box directly to goalkeeper Amanda Moorefield. Moorfield bobbled the ball and lost control, giving Balmer the scoring opportunity.  

“We played well in the first half, but let too many opportunities slip away from us in the second,” said Van Linder.

ULL was granted a penalty kick less than nine minutes into the second half, and did not hesitate to take advantage of it. Hayden Gibson shot low and into the corner, out of reach of freshman goalkeeper Brooke Bourbonais.

Ashlee Savona had a chance to put the Lady Demons on top with a penalty kick, but was unsuccessful.

With nine minutes remaining in the game, the Ragin' Cajuns' Melissa Minton found the back of the net as she dribbled into the box and shot low.

The Lady Demons host Central Arkansas on Friday as they open up Southland Conference play. Kick-off is slated for 7 o'clock at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.