The ULM soccer team improved their chances of clinching a conference tournament berth with a 3-2 win over Troy Friday. The Warhawks fought to gain an advantage and maintained their lead in an intense battle for conference standings.

Head coach Keyton Wheelock highlighted the importance of the final regular season weekend.

“We control our destiny,” she said. “We’ve taken one step closer to making our first conference tournament.”

The team stood at eighth before they beat Troy.

Although they were outshot 11-5, the Warhawks took advantage of the opportunities given. They scored three goals in the contest, with two coming in the first half.

Seniors Mary Ashton Lembo and Kylie Kukowski both scored in the final home game of their careers.

A goal scored late in the first half raised some eyebrows. After a beautiful cross, Mia Walters finished the play by tapping the ball past the visiting goalie. The Trojans questioned the possibility of a handball on the sequence, but the referee confirmed the goal.

The eventual game winner came early in the second half as Kukowski capitalized on a Whitney Tuckfield assist three minutes into play.

The Warhawks relied on defensive execution in the final 40 minutes.

Goalie Brooke-Lynn Scroggins tallied five saves on the day in another decent showing from the sophomore.

The importance of the match climaxed in the second half after a Scroggins save as she tangled with an opposing player on the ground.

The two had to be separated by the referee while the Troy striker swung both arms at Scroggins. The red card sent the visiting player off the field.

The Warhawks controlled the rest of the match. ULM used the lead and one-player advantage to focus on defense and ensure the 3-2 win.

If the Warhawks can maintain their position in the conference standings, they will begin postseason play in Foley, Ala. on November 2.