NATCHITOCHES -- Northwestern stared yet another tie -- what would been its fourth of the season -- in the face as time slipped away Friday against Sam Houston State.

But with 10 seconds left in double overtime, sophomore forward Esdeina Gonzalez fended off a draping defender and punched a shot in from close range for the 2-1 win. Freshman forward Jacqueline Manza provided her first assist of the season when fired a pass across the field to the far post and a waiting Gonzalez.

NSU's offense, who has outshot the majority of Southland Conference opponents this season, finally erupted for the Lady Demons (4-7-3, 1-3-2 SLC) first conference win, which in turn caused an emotional explosion on NSU's sideline.

"Finally. We have been working super, super super hard and coming out early to practice trying to get those shots in," said Gonzalez, who posed with teammates in front of the scoreboard after NSU knocked off the second-place SLC team in SHSU (7-5-1, 4-2). "I saw we were going wide (with Manza), and I didn't expect to get it with she cut it in.

"At that moment, I was like, 'Just hit it.' I prepared so much for the one I missed. This is one I just didn't even think about."

NSU saved its season with the win, keeping the Lady Demons alive but still far behind in the Southland Conference tournament race. NSU entered the match last in the 12-team league with only six squads making the postseason.

But a smiling George Van Linder said his bunch needed a win in this manner badly, adding he's always had confidence in this young bunch to perform.

"It's a huge lift for us," Van Linder said. "We've been so frustrated. Moral victories don't count. Ties don't count. The only thing that counts is winning.

"Sam Houston is quite a team, and it's great to have a victory against such a great opponent."

NSU's defense, playing without junior defender Patry Carrion (hamstring), held up against 17 SHSU shots (nine on goal).

Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Latham, playing her second full match after splitting time with Brooke Bourbonais, made seven saves in her first win of the season. 

Latham made several diving saves on SHSU breakaways, including one late in regulation and one in overtime.

"It's insanely nerve-racking," Latham said. "It was life or death. This team worked so hard, and I wanted to perform as well as I can for them.

"They deserve it. They've worked so hard. Everyone played absolutely amazing, and I think it's great that our bench has enough depth to where we don't lose any intensity when we sub."

NSU struck first in the 61st minute when senior Cassandra Briscoe took a Brittany Caserma through ball and buried it into the back of the net for her second goal this season.

Sam Houston answered just three minutes later when Allie Johnson stole a pass before finishing a shot in the middle of the goal. NSU attempted 23 shots with nine on goal. 

Bearkats goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton made seven saves to lead a defense who had allowed just three goals in SHSU's first five conference matches.

Briscoe said NSU showed grit in responding to Sam Houston's quick answer.

"That was tough, but this team has such unbelievable strength and integrity," Briscoe said. "I knew that if we kept pushing, a goal would come. 

 

"It did -- it was as late as possible, but it did. There's no feeling like this one winning with just 10 seconds left."

The win ends a six-match winless streak in which NSU went 0-4-2. The Lady Demons' last win came September 8 against Alcorn State.