Lady Indians show potential in season opening losses
Adam Gore/LetsGoICC.com

The Itawamba Community College Lady Indians soccer team hit the road this past Friday and Saturday to take on two of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) top women's soccer programs in the Pearl River Community College Lady Wildcats and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Lady Bulldogs.

On Friday, the Lady Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 MACJC South) got on the board in the first thirty seconds of the match, but the Lady Indians (0-2, 0-0 MACJC North) quickly regained their composure to create opportunities to tie the match, but were unable to get the equalizer in the first half.

Leading 2-0 at the break, Pearl River got another quick goal after the restart to take a 3-0 advantage. The Lady Indians had numerous chances to score, but were unable to beat the keeper as last season's state runner-up was able to pull away for a 5-0 victory.

"I thought we fought hard against one of the top teams in the state," ICC head coach Mike Sullivan said. "I'm proud of our effort and especially our freshmen who were not fazed by the jump from the high school to JUCO level of competition."

On Saturday, the Lady Indians fell to the defending state champion Gulf Coast Lady Bulldogs 1-0 to wrap up their weekend.

The Lady Bulldogs (1-0, 0-0 MACJC South) took a 1-0 lead just before halftime and were able to hold on for the victory after a one-on-one opportunity for the Lady Indians sailed over the bar with under five minutes remaining in the match.

"I'm very proud of the ladies and the way they fought the entire match despite playing the night before," Sullivan said. "Once we find our finishing touch I feel like we have the potential to be a dangerous team and hopefully get another chance to play these teams on down the road."

The Lady Indians return to the pitch on Tuesday to host Union University in their home opener at 2:00 p.m. and are scheduled to travel to Bethel University on Friday.