FORT WORTH, Texas – Northwestern State hung tough all night Wednesday against Big 12 member TCU, but the Horned Frogs scored the game-winning goal in the 81^st minute for a 1-0 loss for the Lady Demons.

NSU's defense withstood a barrage of 20 TCU shots and 17 corner kicks before a Horned Frog found the back of the net.

"With both teams having only 10 days of preseason, we expected a lot of ugly moments," said NSU coach George Van Linder. "But our goal was to get tested, and we got that tonight. We're a better team because of it.

"Our emphasis throughout the entire preseason has been on defense, and we had a lot of good moments. We've still got a ways to go, but we're happy where we're at. We definitely have ideas on what we need to work on."
Junior goalkeeper Alex Latham went the distance for NSU, recording six saves.

The Lady Demons attempted five shots with sophomore forward Brittany Caserma attempting both of NSU's shots on goal.

Senior forward Patry Carrion, junior midfielder Kelsey Lewis and sophomore forward April Trowbridge took NSU's other three shots.

"We haven't focused much on offense yet, but we're continuing to grow and get better," Van Linder said. "We had some good moments, and we expect to have more of those as the preseason continues."
The Lady Demons had a few friendly faces in the crowd Wednesday as Dallas-area NSU alumni attended the match.

"It was really important to see that support here in Dallas," Van Linder said. "Once a Demon, always a Demon – and it really showed tonight."

NSU plays its second exhibition match at home Sunday against UL Lafayette at 1 p.m.

The Lady Demons open their regular season Aug. 19 at Little Rock.