UNA begins its Gulf South Conference play tonight, hosting Delta State at 7 p.m. with hopes to build off two non-conference losses and prevent more injuries to the team.

UNA stumbles into conference play with key injuries that include junior defensive player Julia Osmond and midfielder Gabriella Madrigal out for the season.

Even with the injuries, UNA has found a way to keep winning (6-2) with their depth and the emergence of sophomore midfielder Jennifer Osmond as the team-leading scorer.

“Jen is an all-around player and has the ability to play anywhere on the field,” said UNA soccer coach Graham Winkworth. “Her attitude is fantastic, and she has been real key not only in scoring goals, but has worked really well on defense.”

Delta State comes to town tonight (2-5) with wins over Spring Hill College and Freed Hardeman. UNA is not going to look past their record, especially with the injuries that have plagued the Lions this season.

“Delta just got a new coach this season,” Winkworth said. “They are well organized and also very difficult to break down.”

UNA hits the road Sunday against the Christian Brothers team (4-2-2) with an offense that is averaging two goals a game and leading in the conference in 0.5 goals allowed, which could be a cause for concern for the Lions.

In the two games the Lions have lost, they were held in check for only one goal in each game.

“I believe high expectations and the combination of teams playing great defense may have played a role in the two losses,” Winkworth said. “We have to be more clinical and make better decisions. (Christian Brothers) plays very attractive soccer, and they put a lot of pressure up the field. It’s important for us to stop their breaks down the field.”

The Lions are coming off a win against Alabama State and a loss against Florida Southern last week. Osmond is coming off a big week, after three goals and earning GSC player of the week.

Junior midfielder Nikki Brown is also coming off an impressive game against Alabama State, scoring three goals and one assist.

“We still try to stick to what we do best,” Winkworth said. “We only had 16 players in the last game, including (Roberts) being out. Changes were forced due in part with the injuries that we have.”

UNA is 6-2 and still primed to be one of the frontrunners in the conference.

“Even with the two losses, I’m happy with the style of soccer that we are playing right now,” Winkworth said. “We want to win with the best soccer and continue to entertain our fans with the kind of soccer that hasn’t been seen here before.”

The Lions are scheduled to play Delta State on Thursday at home starting at 7 p.m. and will travel to Christian Brothers Sunday starting at 1 p.m.

Quick Recap

• Last week, the Lions lost to Florida Southern (2-1) but beat Alabama State (6-0).

• Jennifer Osmond scored three goals total and is currently the team’s leading scorer. She was also the Gulf South Conference Player of the Week.

• The Lions’ overall record is 6-2, and the team begins conference play this week.