Troy Opens Sun Belt Schedule With Win

9/28/2007 5:00:00 AM | Soccer

JONESBORO, Ark. - Laura Hopson scored an early goal to give Troy a 1-0 lead that they clung to for the remainder of the 90 minute contest, winning 1-0

Hopson put the ball in the net off an assist from Caiti Norton in the seventh minute and the Troy defense held the Indians in check as Troy picked up a win in their first conference match.

The win gives the Trojans five on the season, evening their record at 5-5.

Karla Smith played the full 90 minutes in goal for Troy, and made seven saves.

"Our team really played hard and established the consistency we've been working toward all season," assistant coach Chris Bentley said.

"We really battled the last 20 minutes as Arkansas State turned up the pressure trying to get a game tying goal."

"Overall, we're really proud of how our team played and it's great to get a win to start off the conference schedule," Benley said.

Troy will be back in action on Sunday as they finish their conference opening road trip at Arkansas-Little Rock.