MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama junior forward Lauren Marsh (Fairhope, Ala.) picked up the brace, including the game-winning goal, lifting the Jaguars to a 3-0 victory over Sun Belt Conference foe Louisiana at Lafayette Friday night at The Cage.

The Jags remain unbeaten at home and advance to 8-1-1 and 1-0 in conference play on the season while the Ragin’ Cajuns fall to 4-5-1 and 0-1 in the SBC. The win marks the first time USA has won its conference opener since the 2008 season.

“It was a good game against a good team,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “It was a fast-paced game. Lauren Marsh had two great goals for us tonight. Defensively, we were solid. I’m very proud of our effort tonight.”

After 38 scoreless minutes Marsh put a one-touch shot off a cross from sophomore Morgan Motes (Birmingham, Ala.) in the back of the net to put USA on the board.

In the 67th-minute Marsh headed a ball from senior Brandi Smith (Red Oak, Texas) off the post and into the back of the net giving the Jags the 2-0 lead.

Just two minutes after Marsh’s second goal sophomore Kristyn Thacker (Ellenwood, Ga.) buried her third goal of the season off a pass from senior Kayla Conrad (Blue Mounds, Wis.).

“[Thacker]’s been close the last couple of games,” Varga said. “She came in, gave us a lot of energy and some good minutes. She scored a nice turn and cut, and put it right where she needed to put it. It was a very nice goal.”

South Alabama outshot Louisiana at Lafayette 23-12 on the night.

USA goalkeeper sophomore Melissa Drish (Conyers, Ga.) recorded four saves to preserve her fifth shutout of the year.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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