NATCHITOCHES – As the clock struck zero on Friday night's game and Northwestern State's soccer season, the Lady Demons on the sideline sprinted across the field to senior goalkeeper Alex Latham.

They embraced Latham, who pitched a shutout in the final match of her career as NSU blanked Central Arkansas, 1-0.

In a season that's been tough for NSU (6-12, 2-9 Southland Conference) and difficult for Latham, the Bradenton, Florida, native couldn't ask for a better ending in front of 300 cold and wet fans at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.

"It's definitely a great feeling after coming off a season that we all weren't super excited about (results-wise), coming out with everyone still fighting was great," Latham said. "For the seniors like me, it's amazing to beat UCA, a team we hadn't beaten in years.

"It's really sad that this is the last time that us 10 seniors are out here. It's been a really tough season for me after coming off last year (Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the Year), but to end this way is great."

Latham made 13 saves, one short of a career high. Latham got dirty multiple times on a wet ground, including a finger-tip save in the 66^th minute to preserve her fifth shutout this season and 17^th in her career.

Latham's 17 shutouts, 24 wins and 374 saves each rank second in NSU program history.

"We're really happy for them, for Alex and for the whole team because they worked hard all week," said NSU coach George Van Linder. "It's difficult for players to get motivated sometimes when you know you aren't going to the conference tournament.

"I was really proud of the professionalism all these players showed. We've talked a lot about how we didn't do what we wanted this season, and we talked about how maybe there are things we all wish we would have done differently.

"But when you go through adversity, you have to keep battling. I was really proud of them to beat a good UCA team. It's a nice rebound for the tough times we've had."

Latham had plenty of help Friday, especially from senior defenders Sage Leffew and Amy Renteria.

Renteria stopped a promising UCA attack in the closing minutes, and Leffew made multiple tackles and deflections in the box.

NSU flashed its potential against the Bears (10-9, 7-4 SLC), who entered the finale tied for third in the league.

The offensive showcase came from juniors Brittany Caserma and April Trowbridge.

Caserma scored her eighth goal of the season in the 75^th minute who scored from the right side by slipping a shot past keeper Lauren Mercuri. Caserma's eight goals is the most since 2009 (Chelsey Gibbs, 9).

Trowbridge sent a pass from the middle of the field for her fifth assist on the season.

"We're excited about those two juniors, and the future is bright," Van Linder said. "We saw a lot more glimpses of what we wanted from the offense. It was a classic Caserma goal, and everything seemed to fall in place tonight."

UCA outshot NSU 20-9 and 14-5 on goal.

But the NSU defense led by Latham played arguably their best game all season to post their first shutout in conference play this season.

After the match, redshirt freshman Kayla Bomben came up to Latham, saying, "This is Alex, this is who you are." Bomben started the previous game against Nicholls and has played in spots this season.