COLUMBIA, S.C. – While the outcome was not in favor of the win column, the Thomas University women's soccer team showed great improvement this afternoon in their 1-0 loss to Columbia College (S.C.). 
 
The Lady Koalas jumped out to the early 1-0 lead in the 7th minute when Caitlin McDonald connected with Ruby Hallam for the lone goal of the match.
 
"[Today] was much better and an improved effort from the girls this afternoon," stated head coach Julie Orlowski.  "It was great to see the return of 'Night Hawk' soccer, which is a very good effort all over the field working hard for each other.  Hartley, once again, came up for us big when we needed her to keep us in the game."
 
The second half of the match continued in a stalemate with each team trading offensive possessions with shots on goal for defensive stands and counter attacks.  Keeper Sara-Ann Hartley collected nine of her 14 saves in the second half alone to keep the contest within reach for the Lady Night Hawks.
 
While Thomas continued to threaten with nine shots, six on goal, in the second half, the Lady Koala keeper held the Lady Night Hawks scoreless.
 
Orlowski continued, "We had some great looks at goal, but unfortunately we did not have enough quality behind it to get it behind their keeper.  Aliya Callaghan anchored a very strong defensive output that shutdown the Tanner sister while Estelle Rault had a great first start in a Night Hawk uniform.  We hope to see more improvement from all the young ladies in action today."
 
With the loss, Thomas drops to 2-4 on the year while Lady Koalas improve to 3-1.
 
Coach Orlowski concluded, "We look forward to gauging our improvement against AUM next weekend after our last match with them earlier in the season.  We then will focus on the upcoming Sun Conference schedule."
 
The Lady Night Hawks will have a week off before returning home to host (RV) Auburn Montgomery on Saturday, September 19.  In their previous meeting this season, Thomas defeated the Lady Warhawks in Montgomery 3-2. First touch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the TU Soccer Complex.  Live stats can be followed via Dakstats while the live action can be viewed via Night Hawk Television hosted by Stretch Internet Broadcasting Network. 
 
Links for each of these interactions can be accessed below:
Live stats
Live video stream
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU women's soccer team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.