HAMMOND, La. – The University of Central Arkansas scored a pair of first half goals to hold off the Southeastern Louisiana women's soccer team, 2-1, Friday night at Strawberry Stadium for Senior Night.
 
The Lady Lions (3-12-1, 2-7-0 Southland) saw their postseason hopes take a hit as UCA (4-12-1, 3-8-0) took a one game lead over SLU for the final spot in the Southland Conference Tournament with just two matches remaining.
 
The Bears opened the scoring in the 10^th minute when Gracie Hair scored on a free kick from 30 yards out.
 
SLU had several opportunities in the first half including three shots on goal but were unable to cash in.
 
UCA added to their lead when Emma Hawkins played a cross to Morgan Hurd who deflected into the back of the net in the 36^th minute.
 
Despite the halftime deficit, the Lady Lions outshot the Bears 6-3 in the first period.
 
Southeastern was able to cut into the Bears' lead midway through the second period. SLU senior Amber Marinero, who was honored in the senior pregame ceremony along with teammate Caroline Lee, played a cross to Mya Guillory. Guillory, a freshman, slipped it to the front of the net where freshman Victoria Brackmann was waiting to drill it into the back of the net in the 69^th minute for her first career goal.
 
The Lady Lions continued to apply pressure through the remaining 20 minutes and nearly tied the game. Sophomore Brogan Bernadas was able to create an opportunity with 12 minutes remaining after some nifty ball handling. UCA's goalkeeper Clara Bornet fell to the ground and it appeared Bernadas, a Covington, Louisiana native, was about to punch it in. But the Bears' defense managed to deflect the shot away from the net and would hold on for the win.
 
"It was a really good second half," said third-year SLU soccer head coach Chris McBride. "I thought we had some really good opportunities that we were unable to capitalize on. And that's kind of been the story of our year. We get a great opportunity and then get caught in the counter attack and that put us in the early hole. But the fight from the girls was definitely there."
 
SLU outshot the Bears 10-5 for the match. Marinero led the Lady Lions with three shots and one on goal while Carla Cortina added two shots on goal.
 
Next up, the Lady Lions will take on Northwestern State Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. in their home finale.
 
The Southeastern Sports Network will offer a free video stream of Sunday's match. Tune in online at www.LionSports.net or the Lions' Gameday Experience app for Android or iOS devices. Fans can also watch on Southeastern's YouTube channel (/SLUathletics) with any mobile, tablet or smart TV device (e.g., Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV and Roku).
 
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
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @chrismcbride88 on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.