NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont women’s soccer team (3-0) picked up its third consecutive shutout on Friday night at the Whitten Soccer Complex. The Bruins held off visiting Arkansas-Little Rock (1-3), 2-0.

The action was very fast paced and physical in the first stanza. The Trojans put up two shots early

but the Bruins were able to answer back in the middle of the half. In the 20th minute, senior Kari Lennon (Hoover, Ala.) passed the ball to freshman Erica Carter (Spring, Texas), who was set up at the top of the box. Unfortunately, she put too much on the ball and it sailed over the crossbar. Belmont’s next opportunity came in heavy traffic in front of the UALR goal during the 24th minute. The Bruins managed to pull goalkeeper Jane Picarelli out of the net but a rebound shot by freshman Patience Whitten (Germantown, Tenn.) was blocked by another Trojan player. Belmont was finally able to find the back of the net in the 33rd minute when rookie Ivy Bentley (Huntsville, Ala.) drove through the box for her first collegiate goal.

The second stanza saw the Trojans start aggressive and become very complacent on both ends of the field. However, the Bruins carried over their excitement from the first half and saw Carter rail off back-to-back shots to open the half. Finally, UALR picked up the pace in the 60th minute with a corner kick that led to a header attempt by Dana Sahd. However, BU remained in control of the match’s tempo and easily quieted the Trojan offense once again. Less than 10 minutes later, Belmont notched its second goal of the match, this time from rookie Madison Porter (Marietta, Ga.), who drove straight up the middle, with help from Whitten. A last ditch scoring attempt in the 83rd minute by UALR saw the ball sneak past sophomore netminder Zirka Thompson (Alpharetta, Ga.) just after the Trojans were called offsides.

“I’m very happy about tonight’s game. We have a lot of young players doing very well right now,” said Head Coach Lisa Howe. “I think our midfielders and forwards are doing a good job of taking what the other teams give and we are still solidifying our defensive effort.

Belmont held the advantage in shots, 15-9, and corner kicks, 2-1. Current Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Week senior Micaela Crowley (Hoover, Ala.) and Thompson shared time inside the net, combining for three saves. Picarelli finished with 11 saves for the Trojans.

Belmont returns to action on Sunday afternoon at the Whitten Soccer Complex. The Bruins host Central Arkansas beginning at 2 p.m.