ABILENE, Texas – The Northwestern State team couldn't recover from an early deficit Friday in a 2-0 loss to Abilene Christian.
The Lady Demons (3-7-2, 0-3-1 Southland Conference) are still looking for their first conference win as they make a trip to Incarnate Word (3-9, 1-3 Southland Conference) for an 11 a.m. Sunday kickoff.
ACU's Dylan Owens scored in the 4th minute to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead before Kate Seay provided the second goal in the 42nd minute. Maria Gomez and Megan Baer were credited with assists on Seay's goal.
Creating opportunities typically hasn't been the problem in NSU's recent string of losses, but the Lady Demons were outshot 14-11 overall and 10-6 in shots on goal.
"We once again had opportunities to win the game just like we've had in the past," said NSU coach George Van Linder. "Plain and simple – we need to get better opportunities.
"I know we have the players and the team to do it. But don't count them out. If anyone can do it, this team can."
NSU hasn't won in its last five matches (0-4-1) after starting the season 3-3-1.
Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Latham entered the match earlier than usual after senior Brooke Bourbonais left the game with an eye injury.
Bourbonais collided with an ACU player while making a save, and the player's cleat gashed her eyebrow, requiring several stitches at a local hospital.
Bourbonais played the match's first 35 minutes before Latham took the last 55 minutes. Each keeper allowed a goal Friday, and Bourbonais made two saves to Latham's five.
"'Brooke-house' stopped a breakaway, and the player's cleat went across her face," Van Linder said. "She's a tough player that's played well for us in her last season, and we hope we can get her back soon."
Forwards Brittany Caserma (three shots, two on goal) and Esdeina Gonzalez (three shots, one on goal) led the Lady Demons offense. Midfielder Camila Ardila put both of her attempts on goal.
