VICKSBURG, Miss. – Alcorn State women's soccer showed grit and late-game poise Friday evening, battling back twice to secure a 2-2 draw with Grambling State in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener at Key City Park in Vicksburg.
The Lady Braves (1-4-3, 0-0-1 SWAC) weathered an early Grambling attack and demonstrated patience in possession, holding the ball for 56 percent of the match while earning a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks. Despite a measured start, the visitors struck first in the 30th minute when Chloe Bryant converted off a feed from Nyla Dore-Anderson.
Alcorn responded swiftly after the break. In the 51st minute, forward Annick Zouma found space inside the box and buried her second goal of the season to bring the crowd to life. The Lady Tigers countered in the 76th minute as Alana Aiken capitalized on an Adalie Hernandez assist to regain the lead.
With time winding down, the Lady Braves continued to press. Freshman Natalie Penniston-John delivered in the 89th minute, slotting home her first collegiate goal after a well-timed pass from Ainara Aldeano to secure the draw.
Goalkeeper Maria Heuman anchored the defense with a steady 90-minute performance, while defenders Veronica Smith, Viviana Sanchez, and Rebecca Kwoba helped limit Grambling to just five total shots, only two on target. Mariana Ruiz Montoya added an early shot on goal that set the tone for Alcorn's attack.
The Lady Braves now turn their attention to a quick turnaround as they continue conference play on Sunday, September 29, hosting Arkansas–Pine Bluff at 1:00 p.m. back at Key City Park in Vicksburg.
FOLLOW THE BRAVES
For complete coverage of Alcorn State Athletics news, please follow the Braves on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports) and YouTube (Alcorn State Sports) or visit the official home of the Alcorn State Athletics at (alcornsports.com).
