NATCHITOCHES, La. – It took more than 103 minutes for a goal but it was a sweet one for freshman Alexa Huerta who nailed the game-winning goal in HCU women's soccer's thrilling 1-0 victory over Southeastern in the opening round of the Southland Conference Tournament. Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University (HBU), underwent a name change in September 2022.
In the first half, it was No. 4 HCU (7-9-3) senior
Ryan Ford who quickly put an attempt on target in the second minute as the Huskies set the tone early, maintaining a majority of the possession and keeping No. 5 Southeastern (7-7-3) out of their attacking third.
Felicia Hernandez had the team's only other shot on goal in the first half in the 30
th minute, less than a minute after checking into the game. The Lady Lions' first shot attempt on goal didn't come until the 35:59 mark with
Chloe Bagshaw making the save for HCU.
Evelyn Slaughter got a good look in the 55
th minute from just inside the top of the 18-yard box but Olivia Griffin made the stop for the Lady Lions with a rebound 25 yards out. The Huskies quickly gained control and a few seconds later
Katie Marker put a shot on target but Griffin again made the save. As the second half wore on, the Lady Lions increased the pressure with more possession in their attacking third but neither team could find the net in regulation.
With the new NCAA rules regarding overtime this season, the two teams were set for two extra 10-minute periods. In the first 10, neither team managed a shot on goal but in the 99
th minute, Marker gained possession with some space just outside the top of the 18 but her shot missed high. In the second overtime,
Ryan Ford put a shot on target in the 103
rd minute shortly before the Huskies got their game-winner.
Emily Jaimes took possession in the HCU offensive half and took on a defender one-on-one to the left side of the box before feeding the ball back to a following Alexa Huerta who took a quick touch and placed her shot just inside the right post.
Bagshaw finished with three saves in goal for the Huskies to notch shutout number seven of the season, tied for the most in a single season in program history. Huerta's goal was her second of the season while Jaimes' assist was her first of the year. HCU scored seven goals in three matches against Southeastern this season with Jaimes scoring three of them and assisting on one.
HCU will face the No. 1 seed Lamar Cardinals on Friday, Nov. 4, afternoon at 4:00 p.m. at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.
