JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 12, 2023) – North Alabama senior Alice Bussey scored her seventh goal of the season as the Lions defeated North Florida 1-0 in Jacksonville, Fla. on Thursday. The Lions earned an important three points on the road with just two games remaining before postseason play.

"I'm really proud of the ladies' performance today," said UNA head Chris Walker, "I thought it was a game of two halves where North Florida was better in the first but, we made it count in the second half."

North Alabama improves to 8-5-4 (4-3-2 ASUN) on the season, while the Ospreys fall to 4-7-5 (2-4-3 ASUN).

The win moves the Lions into sole possession of fourth place in the ASUN Conference standings with just two games remaining. The top eight squads advance to the postseason ASUN tournament which will be played at host sites of the top four seeds. If the season ended today, North Alabama would host the winner of the 5/8 seed match in the quarterfinals on Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex.

Bussey broke a scoreless tie in the 69th minute of the play with a shot from about 35 yards out that found its way out of the North Florida goalkeeper's reach. Bussey's seventh goal of the season puts her second in the conference.

North Alabama midfielder Izzi Gurney-Harper nearly made the score 2-0 in the 84th minute with a header that ricocheted off of the crossbar. 

"I have to highlight the performances of Olivia Heinert and Alana Watts," Walker said, "they came off of the bench and made a huge impact on the match."

North Florida outshot the Lions 10-6, including 6-3 in shots on goal, but North Alabama goalkeeper Adriana Wright stopped all six shots that came her way as she earned her ninth shutout of the season. 

With the shutout, Adriana Wright claims sole possession of the UNA record for single season shutouts by a goalkeeper. The record was previously held by Alex McLay (2009) and Payton Yates (2022). The shutout also represents the North Alabama Division I team record for shutouts in a season, topping the total of eight that was set last season. Wright has now saved 54 shots this season.

Despite North Florida holding the advantage in shots, UNA once again held the advantage in corner kicks at 6-3. This marks the 13th time in 17 matches this season the Lions have held the edge over their opponent in corners. The Lions have only been out-earned in corner kicks twice this season. 

The Lions will remain in Jacksonville, Fla. where they take on Jacksonville Oct. 15 with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. The Dolphins enter the match with an 0-7-2 record in ASUN play this season.

With just two games remaining in the 2023 season, North Alabama can clinch a spot in the ASUN Conference Tournament by earning two more points. This can be done by either securing two draws or at least one victory. 

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.