NATCHITOCHES -- Northwestern State sprinted to a fast start in the first half of Friday's season opener against Texas San Antonio, but the Roadrunners controlled the second half in a 1-0 Lady Demons' loss.
 
UTSA (1-0) outshot NSU 9-3 in the second half, capped by a Katieann Lochte goal in the 67^th minute off a Brittany von Schneidau free kick attempt.
 
But the Lady Demons (0-1) created multiple scoring chances throughout the game, and first-year co-head coach Jess Jobe said plenty of positives can be found.
 
"We were really, really pleased with the first half, and we created opportunities," Jobe said. "We were happy with the way we competed and our mentality -- especially in a well-organized first half.
 
"UTSA put it on us in the second half, pressing higher up the field. We talk all the time about how important set pieces are, and that was the difference tonight. If we have a couple of different moments go a little differently, we might have had a different result."
 
NSU's best chance for a goal came in the first 15 minutes when senior forward April Trowbridge counterattacked and sent a cross into the box for sophomore midfielder Brittany Cecil.
 
UTSA keeper Michelle Cole made the save as Cecil kicked it to Cole's right, one of four saves Friday for Cole.
 
"That play was straight off the training ground," Jobe said. "We felt like we had a good idea of what UTSA was going to do, and we picked off a pass and sprung a counter attack.
 
"Trowbridge got into space and fit a perfect ball across. Cecil was unlucky not to get better contact, but she forced a good save by (Cole). It could have been 1-0 our way, but we had a few moments like that."
 
Late in the second half, Trowbridge (two shots) whistled an attempt just past the frame. Looking for the equalizer, senior defender Olivia Marazzo pushed up and flicked a header that UTSA's Cole had to save.
 
Despite the 11-6 shot disadvantage, NSU put just as many shots on target (four) as UTSA.
 
Cecil took two of those attempts on goal with Marazzo and freshman midfielder Kylee Dominy adding the other shots on goal.
 
Redshirt sophomore keeper Kayla Bomben made three saves with one goal allowed in her second career start.
 
Three freshmen started in Jess and Anna Jobe's first career matches as head coaches, and five of NSU's six subs were freshmen.
 
Nearly 500 people were in attendance for the Jobes first matches at NSU, and Jess Jobe said it created for a rowdy atmosphere.
 
"I thought it was wonderful, and we really appreciate all the support," Jobe said. "We put it out there in every way we could, invited everyone we knew and their moms.
 
"A good crowd came out, made it loud and it was really positive. We can't say enough about the support, and thanks for all those that came out tonight."
 
The Lady Demons face a short turnaround when they return to the pitch Sunday in a match at Louisiana Tech. Game time is 1 p.m.