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BEAUMONT, Texas — No. 5 Houston Christian erupted for three second-half goals to surge past No. 4 East Texas A&M, 4–0, in the opening round of the Southland Women’s Soccer Championship on Tuesday morning at LU Soccer Complex.

Freshman forward Paisley Barela powered the Huskies (10–8–2) with two goals — one in each half — while Isabella Dillow added her fifth of the season and a goal by Olivia Rossman sealed the result.

Barela put HCU ahead in the 28th minute, finishing a feed from Isabella Alamo for a 1–0 lead that held through halftime. She struck again in the 58th minute with an unassisted effort before Dillow buried another just 59 seconds later off a setup from a long ball into the box from defender Alexia Murillo. The Huskies got the closer from Rossman in the 71st minute to cap the scoring.

Goalkeeper Emmy McKeon was sharp throughout, recording five saves to secure her fourth shutout of the year. The Huskies finished with a 14–12 shot disadvantage but made the most of their opportunities, landing seven on target to the Lions’ five.

East Texas A&M (7–8–4) saw chances from Mya Mitchell and Hannah Bell, but McKeon and the HCU back line held firm.

Houston Christian advances to face the winner of No. 1 Northwestern State and No. 8 McNeese in Thursday’s semifinal round at 4 p.m. Tickets are avilable for purchase.