Sports

Lady Tigers even out road games, prepare for SWAC Tournament

The Lady Tigers soccer team is 5-4 in SWAC play this year. GSU Athletics/Courtesy photo

The Grambling Lady Tigers took a trip to the south to battle against Texas Southern, the third place team in the SWAC conference. 

Coming into this game against the Tigers were on a two-game winning streak, which they were hoping to stretch to three. 

The beginning of the game was pretty hard fought on both sides with Grambling totaling 10 fouls and TSU totaling sixfouls.

“The first half I’d say we dominated especially going against the wind,” steam captain Kailey Pena said. “We kept a shutout and had a few opportunities up the field. We combined well and were dominant in the air and winning 50/50 balls.”  

Coming into the second half work needed to be done to be able to secure a playoff spot in the tournament. 

 Sophomore defender Jordyn King got the Lady Tigers on the board with a fantastic throw in that found its way in the back of the net. 

Both teams finished with 15 shots total. Grambling finished this game with five shots on goal to TSU’s seven. 

Senior Goalkeeper Hannah Johnson had a great showing racking up a total of six saves this game. 

As the game pushed on the Tigers had a multitude of opportunities to score again to extend the lead.

Closing in on the final four minutes of the game Texas Southern recovered a loose ball and was able to capitalize and tie the game up. 

With time winding down less than a minute left received the ball on the run with a head of steam.

She somehow managed to make a move around her defender and strike a laser shot from about 20 yards out to give Grambling the 2-1 win victory. 

After a big victory away, the Lady Tigers then went to play the Prairie View A&M Panthers.

In an all out battle, the Lady Tigers suffered a 2-0 loss. With  both goals being scored early, the Panthers kept the pressure on for the length of the game.

With the loss, the Lady Tigers are hoping to rebound as the season is beginning to end.

 The Tigers are sixth in the SWAC right now going into their final regular season game with an overall record of 8-10-1. 

“Going into the tournament I feel we need to focus on ourselves more than anything,” Pena said. “Fine tuning little things that will really make a difference when it comes to big games and moments. We’re a force to be reckoned when we play, it’s just all about consistency.”

The ladies are back in action Nov. 1 against Arkansas Pine Bluff in their final game of the regular season. 

The game will be at 4 p.m. at the Grambling State Soccer Complex.