HUNTSVILLE -- An Alison Oakland goal in the first half held up for a 1-0 victory over Southeastern Louisiana at Pritchett Field on Sunday. With the win the Bearkats finish sixth in the Southland Conference, earning the final spot in the Southland Conference Tournament.

"I just don't know what to say right now," said head coach Marcia Oliveira. "This is such a special thing for this group to experience. To be able to do this with such a young group of players is really meaningful and we are looking forward to next week."

In a game that was mostly contested outside the 18-yard boxes, Oakland found an opening 34 minutes into the match after a foul was called just outside the Southeastern Louisiana penalty box. Off the kick, the ball rebounded to Oakland and she buried it into the back of the net for the only goal of the match.

"That was so great for Alison to get that goal," Oliveira said. "She has worked so hard to get herself on the field and it has really paid off."

After Oakland's goal, it was up to the defense and keeper Jenny Pence to hold tight for the remaining 55 minutes, and they did just that. Pence recorded six saves in the match and picked up her third shutout of the season.

The Lions only serious threat came midway through the second half, when a ball was headed into the net. However the Lions were call offsides on the play and they never really threatened again.

The Southland Tournament will begin Thursday in Natchitoches, La., with the opponent and time to be determined.