The ULM women’s soccer team (7-4-2; 1-1-2 SBC) went head-to-head with James Madison in a 2-2 draw at Brown Stadium.
The Dukes started strong and scored the game’s first goal early in the match. The Warhawks almost immediately responded to their opponents’ aggressiveness. ULM midfielder Bernadett Stefan assisted forward Skylar Blaise, who scored ULM’s first goal 12 minutes into the game.
Blaise struck again late in the first half, netting her second goal. Five minutes later, the Dukes retaliated with an equalizer, leaving the teams tied by halftime.
Both teams relentlessly pushed each other to the edges of the field. The Warhawks encountered 17 fouls but remained undeterred, fueled by the crowd’s unwavering support. ULM midfielder Mara Grutkamp drew strength from the fans’ support, standing firm against James Madison.
“They [fans] help a lot, especially when we do defensive tackles, or someone helps someone else,” Grutkamp said. “We just feel good, like the whole vibe just shifts towards you, and you have this positive energy. You just want to keep running, tackling and everything.”
Blaise came close to breaking the deadlock in the final minutes, but her shot narrowly missed the net. Both teams ended the second half goalless.
Despite the game ending in a tie, ULM coach Will Roberts took pride in his team’s grit and determination.
“I think the team showed tonight they can go up against the best people in the league. There were opportunities for us to go and win it, probably more so than in the second half,” Roberts said. “I’m proud of this team. I can’t fault anyone’s efforts tonight.”
On Oct. 10, the Warhawks will face the Arkansas State Red Wolves in Brown Stadium.