MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A determined Alabama State women's soccer team delivered a sound first half and produced a late insurance goal in the second half to defeat visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3-1 for a conference victory Friday night at the ASU Soccer Complex. 

The Lady Hornets (3-9 overall, 2-2 SWAC) accomplished many tasks on the night by displaying a sense of urgency to grab an early lead, came back with an answering goal late and handed the Golden Lions their first conference loss of the season.

Inma Martinez put ASU on the board in the sixth minute off a long free kick from approximately 35 yards away and later ASU added a goal in the 32^nd minute off a deflected shot from Ariela Lewis that was put in by her sister Aaliyah Lewis. 

In the 77^th minute, Karissa Fenwick scored the lone goal for Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-6-1 overall, 3-1-1 SWAC) to cut the deficit to 2-1. 

ASU had an answer, however, when Ar. Lewis lifted a ball into the right corner of the net in the 84^th minute for her seventh goal of the season. 

"We spent a lot of time working on set pieces and runs in the box," said ASU head coach Jodie Smith.

"Inma served it long.  It just kind of floated on the goal.  I really think that she was trying to serve it on the far post and it just ducked in.  It was nice to get an early lead at home after two tough losses on the road.  They were putting pressure on us in the second half to get that equalizer.  We played a nice ball out and combined in the final third.  Ariela had a nice, composed goal for us.  To get that two-goal cushion again late in the game, I think it stymied their momentum a little bit."

ASU stays at home to host Grambling State (0-6 overall, 0-4 SWAC) on Sunday at 1 p.m. from the ASU Soccer Complex.