HUNTSVILLE, TX- The Sam Houston Bearkats (4-4-1, 4-4-1 SLC) edged the McNeese Cowgirls 2-1 on Thursday night in a key Southland Conference game as both teams entered battling for a spot in the postseason tournament.  

The Cowgirls (3-6-1, 3-5-1 SLC) weren't able to overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit despite and electric second half.  

1^st HALF: 
The Cowgirls looked dominate to start Thursday afternoon's contest as they applied constant pressure to the Bearkat backline. The Pokes have struggled with taking shots and shot selection earlier this season but that was not the case Thursday night. McNeese outshot Sam Houston 11(5) to 5(3). SHSU got off to an early lead in the 26^th minute when Brooke Jones took the ball from a Cowgirl defender and went on to beat the keeper 1v1 to take the lead. In the 33^rd minute Sam Houston was awarded a throw in near the corner that bounced across the front of the goal and was finished by Landri Townsend.
 
2^nd HALF:  

After a rough first half the Cowgirls once again came out aggressive early on. Just four minutes in the Pokes shortened the Bearkat lead when Anna Watson laid off a ball to Keely Morrow that was then blasted into the top right corner from over 20 yards out. McNeese continued to stay aggressive offensively and created multiple opportunities throughout the remainder of the match. The Cowgirls had two 1v1 chances, a free kick just outside the box, and a corner kick all within the last six minutes of the match.
  

UP NEXT: 

The Cowgirls will remain on the road as they head to Nacogdoches where they will take on The Ladyjacks of Stephen F. Austin on Saturday. Saturday's SLC contest is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+
 
STATS:
Goals:  Jones (26^th), Townsend (33^rd), Morrow (48^th)
Assists: Watson (1)
Saves: Roccaforte (2), Delozier (6)
Shots: MCN 17(7), SHSU 9(4)