NATCHITOCHES – Abilene Christian splashed and slopped its way to a 3-0 win Sunday against Northwestern State on a Lady Demon Soccer Complex field that withstood steady rain during the week and driving precipitation Sunday.
The playing surface started with minimal water before consistent rain, heavy at times, made the pitch soupy with sloshing water.
ACU (8-4, 3-2 Southland Conference) scored an early goal before conditions deteriorated when Alyssia Anuat headed in a goal on a Christina Arteaga corner kick in the eighth minute.
"The conditions were tough after the field started in fine shape," said NSU co-head coach Jess Jobe. "Credit to Abilene Christian because they handled the conditions better than us as both teams had to make adjustments.
"Unfortunately we gave up the first goal, and then conditions from there got tough, and mentally it became tough for us. ACU played a tough game. We can't expect to win many games unless we have a better approach."
For the fourth time in five Southland Conference matches, NSU (7-6, 1-4 SLC) took more shots than its opponent after outshooting ACU 14-12.
But the Wildcats put one more shot on goal (7-6) than the Lady Demons and converted short passes that led to its two second-half goals in the swampy conditions.
"We're still young, and we're still learning and growing," Jobe said. "Our hope is that this is a learning opportunity to play under these conditions so we'll be better the next time."
ACU's Shay Johnson picked up a loose ball near the top of the box and scored a goal despite being tipped by an NSU defender.
Arteaga scored a goal of her own from close range in the 87th minute after Sophie Standifer sent a short cross from across the net.
NSU's Kylee Dominy (four shots) and April Trowbrige (three shots) accounted for half of the Lady Demons' attempts.
ACU goalkeeper Rachel Johnson made six saves in the win, while NSU counterpart Kayla Bomben made four saves with three goals allowed.
NSU entered the match with momentum after picking up its first conference win of the season Friday (beat Incarnate Word 3-1).
But the Wildcats improved to 5-1 all-time against NSU on Sunday.
The Lady Demons remain in 10th place in the SLC with six league games remaining as teams fight for one of eight tournament spots in the 12-team league.
Four of those remaining games are on the road as the Lady Demons head to Sam Houston State on Friday in a one-game week.
