Two first half goals in another offensive explosion lifted Northwestern State to a 3-0 women’s soccer victory at home against Grambling on Thursday evening at the Demon Soccer Complex.

It was the third straight game for NSU (4-1-1) where it scored at least three goals in a game and the fourth time in the team’s six contests.

The Demons received goals from Emily Senatore and Riley Stern in the first half to jumpstart the home team before Hosane Soukou nailed the door shut, finding the back of the net in the second half to create the final score.

“That goal from Emily got us into a groove,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “We started to grow into that rhythm even before the penalty, which is probably why we won it. We really started building off that. We were playing really well and then got the second goal.

“I told our team I thought there was another one out there in the second half and it was good to see us get that and put in a professional performance to finish the game.”

Each team had its share of opportunities in the first 20 minutes, but an unfortunate bounce for Grambling hit a Tigers player in the hand in her own box for a penalty kick for the Demons.

There was no doubt who would take it.

Senatore’s boot hit the right post before deflecting in to give NSU a 1-0 lead and her fifth goal of the season and 16th of her career.

“I knew I had it,” Senatore said. “We actually talked about this when we played them in the spring and had a penalty kick shootout. Coach Ian told me I wasn’t going to take one then since we were playing them in the fall, and it worked out perfectly.”

The offense didn’t let up from there, still putting pressure on Grambling (2-3-1).

The Demons outshot Grambling 12-4 in the first half and 19-12 for the game, as redshirt freshman goalkeeper Audrey Marfia made five saves to notch a shutout in her first start.

NSU is back in action Sunday evening at 6 when it hosts UL Lafayette to finish the home weekend.