HAMMOND, La. ? The University of South Alabama soccer team won its first game of the Lion Classic 4-2 at the Southeastern Louisiana Soccer Complex, Friday. The Jags improved their record to 5-2, while Nicholls State fell to 1-5-2.

“We need to still play better, but I think some of that was traveling this morning,” said head coach Mike Varga. “One good thing was that everyone played so we should be well rested on Sunday.”

USA got on the scoreboard first as Tiara Smith scored on a Carly Williams cross in the 28th minute. South Alabama came back from halftime and scored within the first two minutes as Liz Clark netted a goal with the assist coming Smith and Williams. Smith got her second of the game two minutes later on a Clark assist. That was her ninth goal in seven games this season.

Nicholls State cut the deficit to 3-1 on a penalty shot from Jessica Bedford, but USA increased the lead to 4-1 on Carly Wiliams’ third goal of the season. The Lady Colonels cut the lead in half on their final goal by Sara West, but were unable to mount a comeback.

The Jaguars will play host Southeastern Louisiana Sunday at 1 p.m. in the final game of the Lion Classic. Scores can be accessed at usajaguars.com.