LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Freshman forward Allie Johnson's first career goal proved to be a big one as she bagged the game-winner in the Bearkats 1-0 win over No. 4 seed Nicholls in the first round of the Southland Tournament, Thursday night.

After 55 minutes of scoreless action, Johnson got her head to a cross from junior defender Ashley Fluty and buried it in the top corner of the net. The assist was Fluty's third of the season.

“We are very happy with getting the win tonight,” said head coach Tom Brown. “We had to play (Nicholls) on the road Sunday and it was a quick turnaround for us. But having that experience was good for us. We're excited to be moving on. It was a great finish by Allie on the goal. We've spent a lot of time working on set pieces and it was definitely a timely goal for us.”

The win sets up a semifinal game against No. 1 seed Stephen F. Austin Friday at 7 p.m. SHSU fell 1-0 to SFA in overtime last month at home.

Goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton had another stellar performance, picking up her sixth shutout of the season. Hambleton made four saves including a huge one with just under 19 minutes left in the game.

Sam Houston put eight shots on goal compared to the Colonels' five to help Sam Houston avenge its regular-season finale loss to Nicholls.

The semifinal appearance is the third for the Bearkats in four years.