BIRMINGHAM – The Jacksonville State soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to in-state foe UAB on Sunday, but head coach Neil Macdonald saw many positives outside of the outcome in the exhibition outing ahead of Friday's season opener.

The Gamecocks finished with a plus-four advantage in total shots over the Blazers, 12-8, and had many good looks at scoring chances throughout the contest – a match that featured a lingering lightning delay of over an hour in the 23^rd minute of the opening half.

Prior to the stoppage, JSU was on target on four different occasions.  UAB responded after the delay with the first goal of the contest in the 29th minute.  UAB's Megan Hudgens drilled a shot to the right post and past JSU goalkeeper Morgan Lerch.  Lerch, a redshirt freshman made her Jax State debut in goal after the departure of the program's all-time career saves leader, Caroline Robinson.

UAB extended the lead to 2-0 in the 61st minute as Hudgens created a scoring chance for Kamilah Mustafa.  The Blazers finished the scoring with six minutes left in the contest with a goal by Caroline Kehrer.

JSU senior Madison Carruthers carried the offensive threat with five shots, followed by junior Cheyenne Carden's trio of chances.  Senior Claire Petersen posted a pair of chances.

The Gamecocks will officially open the 2018 season on Friday, August 17, hosting the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe.  Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the JSU Soccer Field.  Admission is free.