HAMMOND, La. – Lamar University scored four goals in the second half to surge past the Southeastern Louisiana women's soccer team, 5-3, Friday night at Strawberry Stadium.
 
The match was tied at halftime at 1-1 before a two-hour, 15 minute delay halted play.
 
The Lady Lions (2-10-1, 1-5-0 Southland) struck first in the 15^th minute when Jamie Raines scored her second goal of the season off a free kick from Claire Huston. Raines, a sophomore, took a free kick played perfectly by Huston, also a sophomore, from 40 yards outs and headed it in on the backside.
 
SLU held Lamar (8-6, 5-1 Southland) in check for most of the first half until the final minute. LU's Lucy Ashworth got a free kick from 50 yards away. The ball hit 10 yards in front of the goal and bounced over the SLU defense into the net for the goal tying the match at 1-1 at halftime.
 
Following the rain delay, the second half was an offensive shootout. The Cardinals scored immediately as Esther Okoronkwo put one in the back of the net after a cross from Madison Ledet.
 
Moments later, the Lady Lions tied the match at 2-2 when Megan Gordon scored on a penalty kick set up by a SLU's Hitomi Konno being fouled in the box.
 
Anna Loftus and Okoronkwo each scored goals in the next two minutes to give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead.
 
However, the Lady Lions didn't quit. After Lamar committed, yet another, foul in the box. SLU's Mya Guillory converted on the Penalty kick to make it 4-3, Cardinals.
 
Unfortunately, Lamar would put the game away as Kaisa Juvonen scored off a corner kick from Lucy Ashworth to seal the 5-3 win in the 71^st minute.
 
"I thought we got great numbers in the attack offensively," said third-year head coach Chris McBride. "But a lot of credit to Lamar, they are a great offensive team and they are tough to match up with. But the important thing is we are getting better each match and making improvements in a lot of areas of the game."
 
SLU outshot the Cardinals 15-13 and had seven corners to six for Lamar.  
 
The Lady Lions will be back in action next week on the road when they take on Sam Houston State Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Huntsville, Texas. Sunday, SLU will take on Stephen F. Austin Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
Fans can follow both matches at the Southeastern Soccer Schedule page at the live stats link.
 
SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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