HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 win over Northwestern State Thursday night in Strawberry Stadium.
Southeastern (8-6-2, 4-3-1 SLC) extended its three-match winning streak with a big home victory over Northwestern State (7-7-0, 4-2-0) to open the week. Both teams competed down to the wire in the hard fought battle, but SLU came out on top as Kaitlyn Tung delivered with her first career goal. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran secured her third consecutive shutout of the season, playing all 90 minutes in the net with two saves to aid in the win.
Right out of the gate, the Lions came out aggressive against the Demons, working to gain control early with their home field advantage. Southeastern earned an early corner kick as it fought to put pressure on Northwestern State's defense. Sophomore Sally Bero stepped up in the first half for the green and gold with exceptional defense to erase an opportunity around the net for the Demons.
Southeastern remained aggressive midway through the first half, but the Demons refused to back down as they broke free off a defensive breakdown from the hosts. Though unable to capitalize as Curran stayed poised in the net, SLU returned on its mission to strain Northwestern State's defense with eight corner kicks in the first half. Down the stretch, the green and gold gained solid opportunities with five shots, but were unable to find the back of the net, 0-0.
The Lions closed out the first half with stellar all-around effort, holding Northwestern State scoreless with only two shots and one corner kick.
SLU returned from the halftime break with its same level of intensity as Bero continued to step up on the defensive front. Northwestern State's offensive struggles carried over early in the second half as the visitors became frustrated, recording nine fouls in the final half. The Demons settled into the match midway through the half as they gained a corner kick, though unable to find the back of the net.
Southeastern battled to develop a counter attack, resulting in a corner kick opportunity due to the effort of junior Charlotte Lewis. SLU continued to build its momentum with multiple near shots around the box, posting 11 shots in the half, to keep the Demon's defense on high alert. Late in the second half, both teams recorded unsuccessful challenges as they continued to battle in an effort to take the lead.
The Lions gained a break away opportunity with three minutes remaining in the match as Ella Quinlan neared the box. Southeastern continued to smother Northwestern State's defense with back-to-back shots on goal from Quinlan and Shae Kuntz, but the hosts could not launch a shot in the back of the net. Down the stretch, SLU refused to give up as Tung sealed the victory in the 88th minute of the match, 1-0.
Tung earned her first career game winner with the green and gold to close out a thrilling night, handing the visitors its second loss in conference play. Southeastern posted 16 shots, 11 corner kicks and seven shots on goal to end the match. The Demons recorded four shots, three corner kicks and two shots on goal on the road. Northwestern State goalkeeper Audrey Marfia finished with a busy night in the net, claiming six saves.
Southeastern will remain at home as Lamar will visit Hammond, America Sunday at 5 p.m. The Lions will host the Cardinals in their final home match of the 2026 season for Senior Day. Sunday's match will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans are encouraged to get to Strawberry Stadium early for the senior day ceremony before kickoff as nine seniors will be honored.
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.
