HOUSTON – Houston Christian University secured a big three points with a 3-0 "Senior Day" shutout of Southeastern Louisiana University on Sunday at Sorrels Field. A brace from
Olivia Rossman and a clean sheet from
Chloe Bagshaw highlighted a strong defensive effort as the Huskies knocked SLU out of first place in the league standings.
The Huskies were aggressive from the start pushing forward looking for an early score. Their efforts were rewarded in the 16th minute, when
Felicia Hernandez played a long pass from in front of her 18-yard box all the way down the field. Her boot nearly landed at the opposing 18-yard box, finding
Olivia Rossman in stride down the middle of the pitch on a couple of bounces. With SLU keeper Kendal Curran coming out, Rossman made a nifty touch to the right side to slide past and slotted the ball into the empty net to give HCU a one-nil lead.
HCU would keep up the pressure, and nearly eight minutes later would find the back of the net again.
Emily Jaimes hit
Alexa Huerta with a cross to begin barrage of shots on goal. Huerta's initial strike found a diving Curran for the save, but the ball bounded away to
Adi Radwanski whose shot was blocked as well. The ball squirmed its way to
Katie Marker who had a go with her left foot from just inside the penalty spot, but Curran was there again to bat the ball away.
The ball bounded straight to where it began, an awaiting Jaimes, who rocketed a shot past another diving attempt by Curran, giving HCU a two-goal advantage 25 minutes into the match.
That lead would get taken to the break, and coming out, the Huskies then turned to their defense. HCU would continue to stop every attack from the Lions while turning in a couple more offensive chances as well. After saved shots off the feet of Huerta, Radwanski and Jaimes, it was Rossman's turn once again. A nifty takeaway by
Lia Bonet led to a pass down the left side of the 18-yard box, where Rossman took a nifty touch and then crushed a shot over the top of Curran to the other side of the net, giving her the brace to finishing off the "Senior Day" shutout.
Chloe Bagshaw picked up the victory, her first of the season. The Huskies defense allowed just one shot on the afternoon, as Bagshaw picked off several crosses and and directed a strong effort by the back. HCU would outshoot the Lions 17-1 on the afternoon, including 10-0 on goal.
Rossman's two goals give her a team-best six on the season, while Jaimes picks up her third of the season.
Katie Marker led HCU with four shots, three on goal, with Jaimes, Huerta and Rossman each getting a pair.
Kendall Curran had seven saves for the Lions, who fall to 6-7-1 overall and 5-3-0 in Southland play.
With the win, the Huskies move to 4-8-5 overall and 2-3-3 in Southland Conference play, picking up a vital three points. Following the game, HCU honored its outgoing seniors and graduates:
Taylor Sanderson,
Alexa Huerta,
Chloe Bagshaw,
Emily Jaimes,
Felicia Hernandez and
Katie Marker
HCU takes the week off before returning to the pitch in Lake Charles, Louisiana next Sunday when they take on the McNeese Cowgirls in the penultimate game of the regular season.
#DawgsUp
