HENDERSON, Tenn. - A pair of shots that ricocheted off the crossbar within the match's first 10 minutes turned out to be a sign of how the rest of the evening would go for the Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion soccer team.
Despite outshooting visiting Cincinnati Christian University, 12-10, and controlling possession for much of the game, the Lady Lions were unable to convert on several good opportunities while CCU made the most of the chances it got in a 3-1 win on Friday evening at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex.
Freshman Whitney Newby ripped a shot from the top of the box that hit the crossbar in the seventh minute, then did the exact same thing from almost the exact same spot three minutes later. In the 15th minute, Nikki Ceeney had an open look after a corner kick by Briley Collins, but the ball sailed just over the top of the goal.
Those three narrow misses would come back to haunt FHU moments later, when CCU's Jessica Maslyn scored off a corner kick in a somewhat controversial fashion. Lady Lion keeper Tiffany Harris appeared to have possession of the ball after the corner kick but lost it following contact in the box by a Cincinnati Christian player, allowing Maslin to score.
The Lady Eagles extended their 1-0 halftime lead with another goal off a corner kick, this time in the 53rd minute when Lanie Reece chipped a rebound over the head of Harris. The lead became 3-0 in the 70th minute after Jackie Estercamp dribbled through the FHU defense and beat Harris to the far post.
The Lady Lions struck back quickly with Ceeney heading in a pass from Cassie Perkins in the 72nd minute. Three minutes later it looked as though a long shot from Shelby Murray would make it a one-goal match, but the ball again ricocheted off the crossbar. FHU would be unable to get another clear shot after that.
Freed-Hardeman (1-2-1) returns to action on Saturday against Tennessee Temple University at 6:00 PM at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex.
