The game was a defensive struggle from start to finish, with neither team cashing in on any scoring opportunities. However, with just under 13 minutes left in the game, Allegretti dribbled through three Lady Topper defenders and beat goalkeeper Melissa Bailey (Jr., Bowling Green, Ky.) from five yards out for the game-winning score. Sarah Caporicci assisted on the score.
For the game, Western outshot South Alabama 13-12. The Lady Toppers also had the advantage on corner kicks (6-4) and fouls (12-7). Bailey suffered the defeat in the goal but managed to save four shots on the afternoon.
The win gave the Jags (8-8-3, 4-3-1) the number three seed in the Nov. 6-9 Sun Belt Conference Tournament that will be held in Mobile. Western (9-7, 3-4) will enter the tournament as the fifth seed. Denver will be the top seed, followed by North Texas (No. 2), UL-Lafayette (No. 4), Florida International (No. 6), Middle Tennessee (No. 7) and Arkansas State (No. 8).
Western plays its final game of the regular season on Saturday against Murray State. Match time is set for 12 noon (CST).
