HAMMOND, La. – Arkansas State took advantage of an own goal to nip Southeastern Louisiana, 1-0, in the Lady Lions' 2016 home opener Thursday evening at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.

    Bailey Reed had her shot across the front of the net deflected in off a Southeastern defender at the 39:36 mark of the first half for the lone goal of the match. Kelsey Ponder made six saves to preserve the shutout for Arkansas State (1-1).

    Senior goalkeeper Hope Sabadash had three saves for Southeastern (1-2). Sophomore midfielder Payton Colson took five shots and sophomore forward Sofia Olsson and junior midfielder Maggie Ramsey three each for the Lady Lions who finished with 18 overall.

    "I thought we generated numerous opportunities but weren't able to finish anything," Southeastern head coach Blake Hornbuckle said. "We missed a penalty kick and missed chances in front of the frame. We get one, that changes the face of the game."

    The teams had to wait out a 50-minute lightning delay with 1:21 left in the first half.

    Southeastern had chances early as Colson and Olsson both sent a pair of shots wide and Ponder made a save of an attempt by freshman midfielder Ylva Svendsen. Ponder made another save on a shot by junior defender Maddie Kresevic before Colson sent a shot wide from the right wing at the 23:57 mark.

    Sabadash grabbed a shot by Taylor Schneider before Ponder pulled in a strong shot from up top by Ramsey at the 26:42 mark.

    Southeastern had an opportunity to tie the match early in the second half after Kresevic was pulled down in the right side of the box. Sophomore midfielder Vanessa Arzaluz took the penalty kick but had it deflect off the crossbar at the 54:29 mark.

    Three minutes later, Svendsen had an attempt blocked. Olsson got the rebound but sent it wide at the 58-minute mark.

    Arkansas State missed chances to expand its lead when Abby Harris headed wide a direct kick by Tayler Carter with 29:53 left. After Ponder saved a shot by Colson, Carter sent in another direct kick but Sabadash dove to knock it down at the left post at the 70:54 mark.    

    Freshman midfielder Linda Karlsson had a shot blocked and senior forward Casey Peacock's rebound attempt was saved by Ponder with 3:07 remaining.

    Southeastern will be back at the SLU Soccer Complex Sunday to host Louisiana-Monroe in a non-conference match at 1 p.m.