Box Score



HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana scored two goals early in the second half to pull away for a 3-1 victory over Jackson State in the 2013 women's soccer opener for both teams Friday night at Strawberry Stadium.
 
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the Lady Lions won the first Southeastern soccer match in Strawberry Stadium history. Southeastern (1-0) out-shot Jackson State (0-1), 16-2, on the way to the season-opening victory.
 
Southeastern sophomore Casey Peacock, freshman Marisa Rodrigues and freshman Katie Noonan all found the net for the Lady Lions. Senior Kelsey Salcido was credited with two assists, while senior Shanyce Shaw posted one assist.
 
The back line of Shaw, sophomore Erin Christ, junior Chelsea Villaescusa and sophomore Maddie Allen limited JSU's opportunities. Freshman Hope Sabadash was credited with one save in her collegiate debut in goal for the Lady Lions.
 
"Overall we were very pleased with tonight's effort," Southeastern head coach Blake Hornbuckle said. "Our incoming class is making an immediate impact and we're excited about what we can accomplish this season."
 
Hornbuckle praised both veterans and newcomers alike.
 
"Kelsey was our engine in the central midfield," Hornbuckle said. "Erin was dominant in the back for us and we felt like Casey did a great job making herself a willing target, which caused Jackson State problems.
 
"As for our newcomers, we were very pleased with the efforts of Marisa, Brianna Singh and Katie up top," Hornbuckle added. "Amber Lasher also provided us with a spark in the midfield. Hope did a nice job in her first collegiate match in goal and we were impressed with her poise."
 
Southeastern was able to take the lead in the 20^th minute. Salcido won a ball on the right flank and played it ahead to Noonan, who beat JSU goalkeeper Kylie Christian and sent the ball into the open net. The Renton, Wash. native's first career goal sparked the Lady Lions to a 1-0 lead.
 
Jackson State's only shot attempt of the half resulted in a tie score. With just under 15 minutes left in the opening period, Alyssa Almogela broke free down the left side, sent a cross towards the net and Shatiaunna Banks knocked it home to knot the score at 1 going into the half.
 
Southeastern came out on the attack in the second half and quickly took the lead for good. Shaw played a ball near the JSU net and Rodrigues was able to tuck it inside the far post for a 2-1 lead less than three minutes into the half. The San Ramon, Calif. native's first career score was the eventual game-winner.
 
Peacock's first goal of the year put the game away for the Lady Lions less than five minutes later. Junior Jen Babcock started the scoring opportunity with a perfectly placed corner kick, which Salcido got her head on. A JSU defender blocked Salcido's effort away, but right to Peacock and the Douglasville, Ga. product put it in to give Southeastern a two-goal advantage.
 
The margin would stay that way throughout the match, though Southeastern had several near misses. Rodrigues, Lasher, Babcock, Salcido and Singh all had narrow misses down the stretch.
 
Southeastern will now play its next three matches on the road, starting with a 6 p.m. match at Louisiana-Lafayette on Tuesday.