GRAMBLING, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team finished with a 1-1 draw against Grambling State Saturday evening at the GSU Soccer Complex.
Southeastern (0-4-2) closed out its three-match road stretch with its second tie of the season against Grambling State (2-3-2) after falling behind early before equalizing the match. Freshman Alexandra Knight recorded her first collegiate goal of the season, playing 45 minutes. Lady Lion goalkeeper Kendall Curran played the entire match with eight saves in the net.
Grambling State came out the gate with confidence on its home field to secure the momentum in the opening minutes. The Tigers gained a 1-0 lead within the first five minutes of the match as Sophia Lezizidis connected in the high center of the net off an assist by Olivia Kowall. Southeastern worked to bounce back and turn the tide of momentum, but Grambling State remained in control.
The Lady Lions struggled to find their rhythm, but pushed through midway in the first half to formulate counter attacks against the Tigers. Grambling State continued to stand firm defensively as goalkeeper Kaia Bace blocked multiple shot attempts around the net. Bace finished the match with three saves for the Tigers.
Sophomore Brooklyn Chavis battled to step up for SLU with a near shot around the net, but could not capitalize. Southeastern closed out the first half with three shots, two corner kicks and one shot on goal as Grambling State left the visitors scoreless going into halftime on the road. The Tigers ended the first half with six shots, five shots on goal and one corner kick opportunity.
Grambling State returned from the halftime break with the same intensity as it limited Southeastern's opportunities around the net. SLU fought to stay within reach and cut into the deficit as it turned up its own defensive pressure in the second half. The Lady Lions regrouped to break free on a series of runs midway in the second half, but Bace continued to deny opportunities.
Southeastern persevered with time winding down within the last nine minutes of the match to sink one in the net. Knight connected in the high center of the goal with a burst of momentum to aid SLU in equalizing the match, 1-1. The Tigers scrambled to try and regain the lead, but the Lady Lions locked down on their attacks to close out the match. Seniors Emma Ramsey and Rylee Franklin attempted two shots on goal, but could not connect to close out the match. Southeastern finished the second half with its third goal of the season along with six shots, three corners and three shots on goal.
The Lady Lions will return to Hammond, America as the Southern Jaguars visit Strawberry Stadium Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. The match against the Jaguars will be televised on ESPN+.
SLU – 1 0 – 1 - 1 (0-4-2)
GSU – 1 1 – 0 – 1 (2-3-2)
Scoring Summary
1. 4:00 – GSU – Sophia Lezizidis (1) – Assisted: Olivia Kowall
2. 81:02 – SLU – Alexandra Knight (1)
Shots – GSU 16, SLU 9
Saves – SLU 8, GSU 3
Corner Kicks – SLU 5, GSU 5
Fouls – GSU 8, SLU 8
Offsides – SLU 2, GSU 1
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 @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.
