The Bob Jones University women's soccer team traveled to Pulaski, Tennessee on Monday afternoon where they fell in a 4-0 decision to the University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks.

"This is not the result we were hoping for, but the girls stepped it up in the second half, worked hard, and created more chances," said Assistant Coach Anna Grace Abrams. "We're looking to learn from our mistakes and improve in our next match against Toccoa Falls."

Today's game marked the second meeting between the Bruins and the Firehawks. In 2020, the Bruins and University of Tennessee Southern, known at that time as Martin Methodist College, met for the first time where the Firehawks shut out the Bruins with a final score of 5-0.

As today's game got underway, Tennessee Southern was able to strike early in the 13th minute after capitalizing on a penalty kick to take the early 1-0 lead. The Firehawks then added three more goals in a five minute span to take a commanding 4-0 lead into halftime.

Despite the early deficit, the Bruins tightened up defensively in the second half and created more offensive chances. Freshman Annabelle Gaddis led the attack with three shots, including one on goal, while Francesca Aurednik and Amelia Peters each added efforts toward the net.

As the clock hit zero, the Bruins were unable to find the back of the net and fell 4-0 to the Firehawks. 

Following the game, #3 Ashley Frederick said, "we struggled in the first half with our intensity and communication, but in the second half we definitely brought it back up with our communication and intensity, where we held our own keeping it a 0-4 game."

"Despite an unfortunate penalty and a rough end to the first half, I am proud of the team for not giving up," commented #5 Jane Farr. "It would've been so easy to hang our heads and let the other team pummel us, but we held them scoreless in the second half, and we had moments of good possession and a few chances. Hopefully, we can use the next week or so to get back on track for a great second half of the season."

"We had a miserable first half that was way below our standard, and we just failed in all parts of the game and came out sluggish against an incredibly strong University of Tennessee Southern team that showed why they are a top ten NAIA program," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "We gave up way too much space and didn't step on balls that we normally do, and it cost us four goals in the first half."

Carmichael continued saying, "with that said, we had a chat at halftime, and the players came out and made it a match in the second half and created a number of goal scoring opportunities and defended very well. We need to do a better job on staying focused for 90 minutes as we are giving up too much in moments of the game that is costing us goals. I am extremely proud of the team for stepping up big time in the second half and playing level even with them and making it a match. Any shortcomings are on me and I am looking forward to getting some quality training time between matches so that we can be better prepared. There's no doubt that playing up will help better prepare our team for regionals and the rest of the season. God continues to teach us invaluable lessons through the challenges which are critically important for our team's growth and development. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, 'a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.' These types of games are critically important in preparing us for our regional games and the South Regional Championship."

With the loss, the Bruins move to 1-3-5 on the season. Bob Jones will look to bounce back as they enter region play next Tuesday against Toccoa Falls College at Alumni Stadium.