Sam Houston State Upsets Lamar, 1-0
NATCHITOCHES, La. - In the opening game of the 2011 Southland Conference Women's Soccer Tournament, No. 6 seed Sam Houston State upsets No. 3 seed Lamar, 1-0, at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex in Natchitoches, La. The Bearkats improve to 9-11-1 on the year while the Lady Cardinals finish the season at 9-9-2.
After a scoreless first half, Sam Houston State wasted no time in the second half to strike for the game's first goal. Midfielder Emily Edenstrom took a pass from Kirby Zak and scored in the first 13 seconds of the half. The goal was sophomore's fifth goal of the season and Zak's third assist for the year.
The Bearkats had a chance to increase its lead in the 72nd minute with a shot by junior Emily Jurecka but it hit off the crossbar. Sam Houston continues to play tight defense the remainder of the game to keep the Lady Cardinals off the scoreboard, who only managed three shots on goal for the match.
Edenstrom led the Bearkats with four shots, including the game's only goal. Forward Kimmy Albeno and midfielder Kristin Bos each had three shots for the Lady Cardinals. Michele McCullough recorded three saves in net for Sam Houston while Jennifer Gibbs tallied five saves on the match.
Sam Houston advances to the tournament semifinals to take on Texas State, Friday at 4:30 p.m. The semifinal match between the Bearkats and the Bobcats will be streamed live on SLC NOW on the Southland Conference website, southland.org.