HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- The Northwestern State soccer team looks to grab its first win in Southland Conference play when it travels to face Sam Houston State at 6:30 Friday night at Joseph Pritchett Field before an open date on Sunday.
Friday night's match against SHSU (3-8, 2-1 SLC) is the second of a five-game road swing for NSU (3-8-1, 0-3-1), who opened it with a 2-0 loss to Central Arkansas on Sunday. Prior to UCA, NSU played to a 1-1 draw against Houston Baptist at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.
The Bearkats enter the game on a two-game winning streak after a 4-1 victory over Incarnate Word and 4-2 win over McNeese State. Their loss was to Abilene Christian, 3-2. NSU's match at Sam Houston will conclude a six-game homestand for the Bearkats.
"Sam Houston is another talented team we have in our league," said NSU assistant coach
Marsha Harper. "Ultimately it's not about who you play, but how you play. Really its how are you individually preparing for the game and how will we as a team get the win."
Freshman
Esdeina Gonzalez, who is tied for second place in goals scored among league players, leads NSU in points (15), goals scored (7) and shot percentage (.368).
Julia Ranalli has seven points this season and is followed by
Yanci Johnson with six points.
Goalkeeper
Alex Latham is 3-6-1 this season, and has 40 saves in 122 shots faced. She holds a 2.61 goals against average in 11 games played.
Ashley Alonzo tops Sam Houston State in points (11) and goals scored (5). Allie Johnson has nine points on four goals and one assist, and Shelby McDaniel has four goals this season for eight points.
SHSU has started two goalkeepers this season, but Kylie Hambleton leads the Bearkats with eight starts, and has a 2-6-0 record. She has 36 saves and 19 goals against.
Northwestern State leads the all time series with Sam Houston, 11-3, and is 3-2 in the last five matches played.
After NSU's day off on Sunday, NSU will travel to Abilene Christian for a Friday night match up before a Sunday contest at McNeese State on Oct. 12.
