LAUREL – The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars suffered a tough 3-1 loss to Laurel Christian Academy in girls soccer action Saturday.

With the loss, the Lady Cougars fall to 1-3 on the season in a very competitive, physical game in which both teams were able to play to their strengths.

Laurel Christian used their excellent ball skills to set up quality chances, working the ball from the middle of the field so their strikers can attack from the outside of the box.

The Lady Cougars used their speed to make multiple runs through the Lady Lions back line and had many high quality shots at their opponents’ goal.

“I feel like we played our best game of the year today,” said BA coach Mark LeBlanc. “We attacked their back defensive line the entire game. Laurel Christian has always had one of the better soccer programs in the state and they compete for the state championship on a yearly basis.

“Considering they beat us 9-0 two weeks ago, I think our girls are improving and understanding more and more how to play as a team with each game,” said LaBlanc. “We preach spacing, support and communication. Our veterans and especially our girls who have never played competitive soccer are starting to understand how these concepts correlate to us being successful. I think we are becoming a complete team and everyone is starting to understand their role on this team.”

Junior Midfielder Julianna Mills scored the only goal for the Lady Cougars on a well placed ball that traveled through the opposing teams back defensive line. Mills used her speed and a few good touches to get a perfectly place shot into the back of the net.

The Lady Cougars return to action Saturday at the Hansel King sports complex against Hartfield Academy as the game will be played at 11 a.m.