With the end of the season on the horizon, UNA hopes to play competitively this weekend against rivals UAH and West Florida to improve their playoff seeding.

UNA (12-3, 4-1) bounced back from the loss to Valdosta State with wins over Montevallo (3-0) and again Monday night against West Alabama (4-0). Jennifer Osmond and Chloe Roberts for the Lions each recorded three goals in the wins.

The defense behind goalie Alex McLay held its opponents to a total of five shots in both games combined. With a win against West Alabama, UNA clinches a playoff spot in the Gulf South Conference tournament.

“It was very important for us to come away with two wins and to secure a place in the post season,” said UNA coach Graham Winkworth. “It is very difficult to score against teams that pack it in and focus all their attention on our offense. Credit our girls for wearing out the defense and to get creative to be able to score goals.”

UNA will continue on the road with very tough games. First, against rival UAH on the Friday, and a win or tie could set up a perfect position for the Lions in the GSC tournament to avoid top seed West Florida until the finals.

On Sunday, the Lions will travel to West Florida for a huge game to show exactly where UNA falls in the conference.

“The games this weekend are huge, and we need to at least get a tie in the game on Friday against UAH to avoid West Florida in the tournament,” Winkworth said.

“We hope to get secure a top three seed, and the game on Sunday against West Florida is a warm-up game for a possible game against them in the future for a repeat final from a couple of years between us.”

UNA was able to get a good week of much-needed rest to get ready for the postseason last week with only one game against Montevallo.

Going into the last weekend of the season, Chloe Roberts continues her brilliant season, with 12 goals leading the team, and behind her is Jennifer Osmond with 12, giving the Lions one of the top offenses not only in the conference, but in the nation.

“The girls were able to rest their bodies last week,” Winkworth said.

“We were able to conduct some full-length practice sessions and also get back to the basics. It was really good to be able to get back to that and improve on areas needed to be improved.”

Team Leaders

Goals: Chloe Roberts- 13 g, 9 asts. and 35 pts.

          Jennifer Osmond- 12 g, 7 asts. and 31 pts.

          Nikki Brown-  6 g, 10 asts. and 22 pts.

Goalkeeping: Alex McLay- 0.55 GAA., 7 so.