TUSCALOOSA – The Jacksonville State soccer team bid for an unbeaten spring came up short in a 4-1 loss to the University of Alabama last Saturday at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. Jacksonville State finished spring with a 2-1-4 record yielding its only goals of the spring to the Crimson Tide.

"Alabama is a difficult environment to play,” JSU Head Coach Julie Carlson said. “Our team did very well against them at home last fall and I don't think Alabama forgot that. The Tide was much better against us this time. Alabama has gotten some great results this spring, respectfully.”

Alabama scored two first half goals to hold a 2-0 lead at halftime. The first goal came in the 30th minute when Kaitlyn Smith headed home a corner kick from Rosaly Petriello. Petriello later scored UA's second goal just before the end of the half.

Victoria Frederick scored both of the Crimson Tide's second half goals. Frederick's first tally came in the 55th minute and her second goal was scored eight minutes later.

Chelsea Pelletier scored late in the game to make it 4-1 on an assist by Nicole Vickery that delivered Pelletier in front of goal for a one on one with Alabama's goalkeeper, Laura Nicholls.

“I thought this match-up was a good one for us to realize where we are and where we still need to go,” Carlson added. “It is the not the way we wanted to end our spring but it was a way to gain direction for us to prepare for the fall. We have improved significantly this spring.”

Jacksonville State hosts Gardner Webb on Fri., Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. to open the 2010 season.