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BEAUMONT, Texas — Defending champion Stephen F. Austin is headed back to the Southland Conference title match, blanking host Lamar 2–0 in Friday night’s semifinal at LU Soccer Complex.

The second-seeded Ladyjacks (8-3-10) will meet fifth-seeded Houston Christian in Sunday’s championship — the third all-time title meeting between the two programs. HCU claimed both previous finals, winning 2–0 in 2014 and 1–0 in 2016.

Alex Bayouth opened the scoring in the 65th minute on a beautiful goal, finishing a perfect pass from Taylor Dodson for her third goal of the season. Kamrynn Davis secured the victory with an unassisted strike in the 90th minute as the Ladyjacks advanced to their second straight championship appearance.

SFA’s defense was dominant once again, anchored by goalkeeper Sierra McCluer, who recorded her 10th shutout of the season with five saves. The Ladyjacks’ back line effectively neutralized Southland Newcomer and Forward of the Year Lauren Smith, limiting the Cardinals to five shots on target and keeping their attack in check all night.

The result sends SFA to its 12th Southland championship match, where the Ladyjacks will aim for their fifth tournament crown (previous titles in 2003, 2007, 2012, and 2024). A victory Sunday would make them just the second program in conference history to win back-to-back titles, joining Lamar (2022–23).

For Lamar (7-8-5), it marked the program’s first semifinal appearance since 2023 and extended a difficult trend for host schools — none have won the Southland women’s soccer title since 2005, and none have reached the final since 2008.