The ULM women’s soccer team delivered a breakthrough season filled with moments. The Warhawks won their first outright Sun Belt regular-season championship and advanced to the conference final, where their season ended in a narrow defeat.
Entering the season, ULM was building momentum steadily. Though few predicted just how far the team would go, the team went on to win the regular-season title on Oct. 29 by defeating the Ragin’ Cajuns 2-1. In that game, ULM forward Skylar Blaise headed in the opener and senior Ava Goodman scored the winner in the 78th minute. Blaise became ULM’s all-time leader, scoring 23 career goals.
The Warhawks’ unbeaten record of 6-0-4 run in conference play marked their best season. The run helped Blaise earn Player of the Year and ULM soccer head coach Will Roberts claim Coach of the Year.
“Skylar’s been electric all season,” said Roberts. “Her drive, creativity and finishing ability have set the tone for our entire attack. She’s a difference-maker every time she steps on the field and fully deserves this recognition.”
Continuing the regular season, the Warhawks entered the Sun Belt Tournament, playing Marshall in the quarterfinal. Goodman put her name on the score sheet, scoring the lone goal of the game to qualify ULM for the semi-final. The Warhawks played against the Old Dominion Monarch in the semi-final, netting three goals in the first half. The Monarchs tried to retaliate by scoring two goals in the second half, but the game ended 3-2 in favor of ULM.
In their first ever Sun Belt Championship appearance, the Warhawks’ faced Texas State in Foley, Alabama. Neither team found the net in the opening 45 minutes, showing a strong defensive battle. In the 53rd minute, Texas State offense found a gap in ULM’s defense and slipped past goalkeeper Jen Handy to take the lead.
The Warhawks pushed for a late equalizer, but Texas State’s defense held firm. In the 81st minute, Blaise nearly tied the game with a left-footed shot but missed high. The game ended 1-0 with Handy finishing the game with four saves. The Warhawks only managed to have three shots compared to the Bobcats’ 10.
With the final whistle, ULM’s 15-match unbeaten run came to an end. The narrow 1-0 loss may have denied ULM a tournament title, but highlighted the program’s first regular-season title and a trip to the final. It was a season that set a new bar for the Warhawks; a foundation for what’s still to come.
