BOSSIER CITY – Northwestern State midfielder Chandler Monk scored the Lady Demons' lone goal in Saturday's exhibition, but the tally wasn't enough as Little Rock came away with a 2-1 win at Freedom Fields.
 
Monk scored in the second period to tie the game 1-1 with about 10 minutes left in the second period of a match that contained three, 30-minute sessions.
 
She struck from about five yards out after fellow senior Kelsey Lewis placed a pass from the corner at Monk's feet.
 
"I turned around and started yelling, 'Get everyone in the box,'" Monk said. "Next think I know, the ball is floating in and I lose my player, and Kelsey just dropped it right in there.
 
"I stayed calm and kicked it to the left of the keeper."
 
Little Rock's Quin Wilkes scored both of the Trojans' goals, the first in the 14^th minute and the second in the 66^th minute – about five minutes into the third period.
 
Wilkes broke free and gathered loose balls on both occasions.
 
NSU coach George Van Linder said he noticed improvement from NSU's first scrimmage (6-0 loss to Texas A&M).
 
"We keep talking about progress isn't a straight line. They have ups and downs, but we had positive things today," said NSU coach George Van Linder. "We played everybody, and it was good to get everybody a look and see what they can do in the heat of a match.
 
"For example, Brittany Caserma just got cleared today, hadn't done a minute of training camp, but she looked pretty good today. For our younger players, it was a little bit more difficult for them to get comfortable and get some confidence, but that's happening more."
 
Van Linder acknowledged some bright moments by older players who haven't gotten a lot of playing time but who are capable when called upon.
 
"Chandler and Kelsey are two seniors who don't typically score, but we call them old ladies because they know what to do when they get in that spot," Van Linder said. "We're happy with that today, and that was good stuff by both of them."
 
The Lady Demons start the regular season at home Friday against LSU Shreveport at 7 p.m.