Stephen F. Austin
Sam Houston State
SFA Celebrates 5th Straight SLC Title at SHSU
10/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sam Houston State 1, SFA 0
Pritchett Field • Huntsville, Texas
Records: SFA (9-7-2, 8-1-2 SLC); SHSU (8-6-3, 5-3-2 SLC)
Up Next: Southland Conference Tournament • Friday, Nov. 6 • Opponent - TBA
HUNTSVILLE, Texas - With the 2015 Southland Conference Championship and number one seed in the league tournament already in hand, the Stephen F. Austin women's soccer team dropped its regular season finale to rival Sam Houston State by a final score of 1-0 on Friday evening at Pritchett Field. The Ladyjacks concluded another tremendous conference slate with an 8-1-2 record.
The conference loss is the first for SFA since falling to Oral Roberts 2-1 in overtime over two years ago on Sept. 21, 2013. It ends the Ladyjacks' unbeaten conference streak at 32 matches - what was the longest active streak in the nation.
"I am disappointed in the loss as I would be in any match," said head coach Wally Crittenden. "We do take a lot of pride in how we represent our university, and we were emotionally and physically invested in this rivalry game tonight. I couldn't ask any more of the team and the fact is, this past week's demands finally caught up to us. We were tired mentally and physically and Sam made the best of that. You need to credit them as they were very good tonight and were no doubt the fresher team."
The Bearkats scored the lone goal in the 70th minute off a set piece taken from deep down the left sideline. Mariah Titus drove a ball into the mix and Jordan Jarzombek hit a one-time volley into the back of the net for the game-winner.
SHSU outshot SFA 10-5 in the match, including a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Bearkats also created more corners with a 3-0 edge in the category.
After tallying just one shot in the first half courtesy of senior forward Ashton Norman, the Ladyjacks got some more looks in the second period. Senior midfielder Rachel Owens ripped a shot on goal at the 58th minute mark and sophomore forward Hanna Barker nearly tucked away the rebound but had her attempt saved. Junior midfielder Amanda Doyle was also credited with a shot on goal during the match.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Lillie Ehlert helped SFA go into the break even at 0-0 with three saves in the first 45 minutes of action. Freshman Allyson Smith relieved Ehlert of her duties for the second period and made two saves. With the second half goal, SFA's shutout streak of more than 450 minutes spanning six games came to an end.
Following the game, the Ladyjacks were able to celebrate their fifth straight league title on the field with the newest trophy for their collection. SFA is the only team in the nation that has won regular season conference championships outright in each of the last five seasons.
"I was thrilled to be able to lift the trophy with our team, our families and fans tonight," said Crittenden. "What a story this year has made. It has been a true testament to discipline, focus and resiliency. Now, we finally get to focus on one thing - the SLC Tournament in Conway. We can't wait to get up there and respond to the next challenge."
The Ladyjacks have earned a first round bye in the tournament as the league's number one seed and will play next Friday in the semifinals. Their opponent and game time are yet to be determined.
-SFA-
