MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama State University women's soccer team picked up a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) victory at the ASU Soccer Complex Friday night, defeating Howard University, 4-1.
 
The match featured the top two teams in the preseason poll, as voted on by the head coaches and sports information directors.
 
"I am pleased with how we played defensively," Alabama State head coach Jodie Smith said. "Our back four, and our goalkeeper, were solid tonight and they played a good 90 minute game for us."
 
Alabama State University (6-6, 4-1 SWAC) scored just five minutes into the match when Ariela Lewisscored her seventh goal on the season, taking a pass from Lexi Krieger and pushing past Howard goalkeeper Gabrielle Emilien for the 1-0 lead. The duo struck again just 11 minutes later when Lewis scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season for the 2-0 lead.
 
The Lady Hornets came out the locker room and extended the lead to 3-0 when Teaggan Ilela scored her first goal of the season off the assist from Lewis in the 50th minute. After a goal by Howard trimmed the deficit to 3-1, the Lady Hornets scored the final goal of the contest in the 65th minute when Ilela scored her second goal of the season off an assist from Shyann Cordova.

Gianna Guyot played all 90 minutes in goal for Alabama State, recording eight saves in the win.
 
The Lady Hornets will hit the road for a two-match road trip beginning October 13 at Grambling State. They will also face the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the road October 15, a game that will be featured by the SWAC Digital Network.