UAPB Soccer Collects Conference Honors As They Gear Up For SWAC Tournament Against Southern U.
Prairie View, TX. – It was a historic showing for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff soccer team with the release of the 2022 All-SWAC soccer awards. The conference honored three Lady Lions for their play this season as they take on Southern U. in the SWAC quarterfinals today at 6 p.m. CT in Prairie View Texas.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Tiana Johnson was named Offensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and First-Team All-Conference, while Natalie Freeman and Briana Hernandez were named Second-Team All-Conference.
Johnson is the second UAPB’s student-athlete to be named for the prestigious award this season, since Freeman, who was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Johnson had a phenomenal season leading the Lady Golden Lions’ offensive attack. She currently leads the league in goals (12), shots on goal (44), and shots (86). In addition, she is currently ranked tied for first in the league in game-winning goals (4) and ranks first in points (27). Johnson posted two hat-tricks on the season, which is also a league-best.
Freeman has not disappointed in showing why she’s one of the best scorers in the country. In the SWAC, Freeman ranks second in goals (10), assists (6), shots on goal (30), and total points, and third in game-winning goals (3). Freeman ranks 33rd in the country in goals and 58th in the country in game-winning goals.
Hernandez is one of the veteran defender’s on the team, accumulating a team-high over 1700 minutes while starting all 20 games for the Lady Lions. Hernandez has been an aggressive defender while also playing a key role to help the Lady Lions offensively. Her best performance came against Arkansas State, playing the full 90 minutes to lead the defense to help the Lady Lions to a 1-0 victory and their first win over A-State in school history.
The Lady Lions, who clinched the sixth seed, defeated the Lady Jaguars 1-0 earlier this season on the road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The game will be televised on the SWAC Network on YouTube.
The Lady Lions will be led by Johnson who leads the conference with 12 goals, followed by Freeman with 10 goals and six assists.
Freshman goalkeeper Makaila Riedel leads the team with 30 saves.
The Lady Jaguars are currently led by Lonnie Mulligan, who leads the team with nine goals.
UAPB vs Southern U. game coverage for live video and stats can be followed at the UAPB Soccer game day central page or on the free UAPB Athletics App.
