COMMERCE, Texas – With four games left in the regular season, the Northwestern State soccer team has taken over sole possession of first place in the Southland Conference.
Sunday, NSU (9-3-3, 4-1-1) broke open a scoreless battle with three second-half goals from three different players in a 3-1 road victory at East Texas A&M (5-6-4, 2-1-4).
“I am really proud of the performance today,” Lady Demons coach Ian Brophy said. “We knew early on it was going to be tough and it was going to be a gritty game, and we had to defend well and we did that.
“In the second half, we really gave ourselves a platform to play well and win the game. Our performance in the second half was really good, with the ball and without the ball. We were really good in all facets.”
With the victory the Demons moved on top in the conference, a point ahead of defending champion Stephen F. Austin.
NSU received goals from Paige Baumgartner, Emily Senatore and the first collegiate goal from Marissa Henderson to open up a 3-0 lead before a late goal broke the shutout for the Lions.
After missing the last game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Baumgartner was a sparkplug off the bench Sunday.
She found the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season, tied for second on the team.
In the 53rd minute, Hosane Soukou crossed the ball into the box to Dawson Marrs, but Marrs’ shot was saved. The rebound caromed straight to Baumgartner, and she did the rest.
“She was a sparkplug for us,” Brophy said. “Having her miss the last game, I think we missed her and are really happy to have her back. She made an impact immediately upon stepping on the field. She stepped in and helped create great offensive chances for us.”
It was the first of two goals in a span of 3:25. Senatore connected on her 11th of the season to double the advantage.
Henderson buried the game-sealer in the 73rd minute shortly after a corner kick.
Kennedy Rist had a sensational game, making eight saves, many of which came when the game was in doubt.
“She was fantastic,” Brophy said. “When it was 2-0 and there was still plenty to play for and they started to push a little bit more. They knew how critical the next goal would be, and she came up with some big saves and kept us in front.”
NSU was outshot 17-16, losing the shots battle for the first time in SLC play, but made up for it by having the better of play when it came to dangerous chances.
Next up, the Demons host their final two home games of the season, welcoming a red-hot McNeese team on Thursday before finishing the home slate with UIW on Oct. 19.
