HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana junior Kayla Vera scored in the 12^th minute and a strong defensive team effort helped it stand up, as the Lady Lion soccer team defeated McNeese State, 1-0, in Southland Conference women's soccer action Sunday afternoon at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.
 
Defending Southland Conference Tournament champion SLU remained unbeaten at home, improving to 9-1 overall and 2-0 in Southland play. The back line of senior Chelsea Villaescusa, junior Erin Christ, senior Jen Babcock and sophomore Alexsis Cable limited McNeese State (3-5-1, 1-1 Southland) to just five total shots and one shot on goal.
 
Vera's goal came on Southeastern's first shot of the game. The Vancouver, Washington native headed in a perfect cross from junior Gisenia Utreras to give the Lady Lions a lead they never relinquished.
 
Sophomore Hope Sabadash had one save before a collision knocked her out of the match midway through the second half. Sophomore Casey Jeanfreau, spelled the AWK Golden Glove Award candidate, was able to help Southeastern maintain the one-score advantage and secure the victory.
 
"This was a nice win for us against a good McNeese State team," Southeastern head coach Blake Hornbuckle said. "We did a great job challenging and pressuring on defense. We were very pleased with Casey's efforts after Hope had to come out. She really stepped up big for us.

"Our entire back line was excellent today," Hornbuckle added. "Alexsis and Chelsea continue to be very solid in the back. Jen did an excellent job connecting passes and Erin was a great ball-winner for us. Kayla and Bri Singh both did well up top pressuring McNeese. Cheyenne Maxwell and Katie Noonan continue to be tireless with their workrate in the central midfield. Lauren Lorentz gave us a spark off the bench and established herself as a target well."
 
The play that took Sabadash out of the match was the best scoring chance for the visiting Cowgirls. MSU senior Amanda Denton and Sabadash collided just outside of the goalie box and the loose ball rolled toward the empty net. Christ had the presence of mind to clear the ball and keep the Cowgirls off the board.
 
Southeastern had its chances to build on the lead in the second half, but sophomore Lauren Lorentz saw one shot just miss and another snagged by MSU junior goalkeeper Maggie Marks. Despite the near misses, Southeastern was able to hold on for the victory to remain unblemished in league action.
 
Southeastern will now play its next three matches on the road. The swing begins with a 7 p.m. game at Incarnate Word on Friday in San Antonio, Texas.