The UNA Lions roared back from an early deficit against the University of West Alabama to pull out a 3-2 thriller in double-overtime in the first home game of the season.

West Alabama opened the scoring at the half-hour mark from a free kick at the top of UNA’s box. A minute prior, UNA’s defender Melanie Leonida suffered a game-ending injury during a collision at midfield.

Ten minutes into the second half UNA equalized on a goal from Abby Fannin. The senior striker curled a shot just inside the far post past the outstretched arms of the West Alabama goalkeeper.

UNA’s goalkeeper, Rachel Beninati came up with one of her nine saves midway through the second half when a West Alabama striker came in on a breakaway.

Alyssa Bova put the Lions ahead with 14 minutes left in the game with a looping lob shot over the head of the UWA goalkeeper. Four minutes later, Chloe Richards almost put the game out of reach for the Lions when she struck the crossbar from a free kick.

UWA found a late equalizer when a low cross ricocheted off a UNA defender and into the goal. Regulation ended with both teams knotted at two goals apiece.

West Alabama out shot the Lions 20-11 overall, but UNA’s three shots in overtime proved to be too much. With just one minute and 25 seconds remaining in the second overtime, UNA’s Fannin netted her second goal of the game to secure the first Gulf South Conference (GSC) win for the Lions.

UNA travels to Columbus, Ga. this weekend for the Columbus State University (CSU) Collegiate Invitational.