HAMMOND, La. – A goal by Sam Houston State's Allie Johnson early in the second half was the difference in an evenly-played match on Sunday, as the Bearkats edged Southeastern Louisiana, 1-0, in Southland Conference women's soccer action at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.
 
Southeastern lost at home for the first time this season, falling to 12-5 overall and 5-4 in Southland Conference play. Sam Houston State (8-8, 7-2 Southland) extended its win streak to four matches.
 
Prior to the match, SLU honored the 2014 senior class. Two members of an excellent Southeastern defense – Jen Babcock and Chelsea Villaescusa – were recognized prior to the contest.
 
"This was a match of missed opportunities," Southeastern head coach Blake Hornbuckle said. "We did a nice job of creating pressure and chances, but could just not find the net. Sam Houston State made some nice defensive plays and were able to take advantage of a scoring opportunity early in the second half. That was the difference."
 
SLU and Sam Houston State finished the match even with eight shots apiece. Sophomore Bri Singh, junior Gisenia Utreras and junior Erin Christ each had near misses for the Lady Lions.
 
Sam Houston State scored the only goal it would need in the first minute of the second half. Maddy Panozzo played a ball to Johnson, who ripped a shot from 30 yards out over leaping sophomore goalkeeper Casey Jeanfreau to give SHSU the lead.
 
Southeastern created pressure throughout the second half, but could not find the equalizer. The Lady Lions finished the match with seven corner kicks, as well as a multitude of long throw-ins by sophomore Katie Noonan and junior Maddie Allen.
 
With two matches remaining in the regular season, Southeastern is fourth among teams eligible for next month's Southland Conference Tournament, which will include the top six teams in the league standings. SLU will host Nicholls State on Friday at 3 p.m., before closing the regular season on Sunday with a 1 p.m. match at Houston Baptist.