Box Score
MOBILE, Ala. ? Freshman Kayla Pratt’s goal in the 20th minute of the second period propelled the Jaguars to a 1-0 victory over the defending NAIA National Champions on Friday night at The Cage in an exhibition match.
“I was pleased with a lot of different players and actually surprised by some players tonight,” Jaguar head coach Mike Varga said. “The chemistry was good overall and the team worked hard. We started a little slow, but got a feel for the game and played well.”
South Alabama broke the scoreless tie in the second period of play. For the exhibition match, the teams played three 30 minute periods. Junior Kelly Tarrant blasted a shot on goal that was saved by Martin Methodist goalie Karen Carmack. On the rebound, Pratt put the ball in the back of the net to give USA a 1-0 lead.
Jag goalkeepers, Kelsie Langford, Katie Berry and Jessica Ori, combined for 8 saves to shutout the Redhawks.
“I knew going in we would split it 3 ways,” Varga said. “I couldn’t be more please with the depth of our goalkeepers.”
Martin Methodist had 14 shots on the night and was led by Mizuki Yoshida with six shots and two on goal. MMC goalkeepers Sara Prendergast and Carmack combined for six saves.
“Martin Methodist is a very well coached and I’m thankful that they came down and gave us this preseason match, I think it was very good for us to play a team of this caliber tonight,” Varga said.
South Alabama begins the regular season next week on the road at the South Florida Tournament Friday Aug. 25 versus Alabama A&M.
