APSU-SU Box | SELU-JSU Box

Jacksonville – Southeastern Louisiana's Natalie Santana's header in the 66th minute proved to be the difference as Jacksonville State dropped the opening match of the JSU/Adidas Gamecock Soccer Classic, 2-1 to the Lions on Friday.

The Gamecocks dropped to 1-5-1 on the season, while SLU remains unbeaten on the season at 5-0-1. Jax State will face Southern University on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., while SLU will battle Austin Peay for the classic title at Noon.

The Lions jumped on the board in the first 45 minutes with a Kerry McWhirter goal four minutes deep into the contest. The Lions maintained the advantage until JSU junior Chelsea Pelletier registered her team-best third goal of the season at the 54 minute-mark. Alex Rustad was credited with the assist on the goal. JSU had other scoring opportunities to take the lead in the second half, but did not convert.

“We created some chances in both halves, said JSU head coach Julie Davis Carlson. “We are generating more offense, but we just have to put our opportunities away. We don't need to concede early goals and allow ourselves to stay in the game. The fight and determination is there, we just have to stay positive and push forward.”

Jax State out-shot the visiting Lions 11-9, including seven in the first 45 minutes. Nathalee Lariviere led the Gamecocks with three shots on the night. Kaitlin Manns posted a pair of on-goal shots in the setback. JSU kepper Ali Koenig carded three saves in the contest. Karly Dagys of SLU turned in a game-high four shots.

In the first match of the day, APSU dominated the Lady Jaguars as the Lady Govs totaled 48 shots on the evening and converting on four. SU was held to just two scoring chances.