Baton Rouge, La. --- The Devilettes' soccer team opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a 4-0 shutout over the Lady Jaguars of Southern University at A.J. Mumford Stadium.
Mariana Balboa scored her first two goals of the season while assisting SWAC leading goal scorer Nykosi Simmons with her 11th goal of the season. Simmons enter tonight's contest tied for second in the nation in goals.
Head Coach Fabio Boateng stated, "To start conference play in this fashion is refreshing. We have to keep the momentum going. It's a long and tough road but we have made a giant step."
Ernestina Abambila drilled a penalty kick through the nets adding to the scoring for the evening. In her fifth game played, team assist leader Laadi Issaka recorded two assists, while Heather Craddock, Hailey Hendricks and Amberly Halstead each had one assist.
Issaka has made a major impact for the Devilettes quickly. In the national rankings released this week, she was tied for fifth in assists.
Rita Gyasi tallied six saves, holding the Lady Jaguars scoreless while recording her second shutout of the season.
This Sunday the Devilettes face conference archrival Jackson State University at 1 pm in Jackson, Mississippi.
