HAMMOND, La. -- Sophomore forward Allie Johnson scored just seconds into the second half to give Sam Houston State a 1-0 win over Southeastern Louisiana Sunday afternoon. The win was a historic one for the Bearkats (8-8, 7-2 SLC) who have seven wins in Southland play for the first time. SHSU also has won four consecutive games, which is the longest league winning streak in school history.

“This was a very tough and rested Southeastern Louisiana team,” Bearkat head coach Tom Brown said. “Their style of long throws and deep free kicks put us under a lot of pressure. With such a long road trip, I am very proud that our players were able to earn two wins.”

The first half was extremely tight between two teams that have played to overtime in four of the last five meetings. Sam Houston held a slight edge in shots, 5-3, at halftime. Bearkat goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton was called upon to make one save in the first period.

Sam Houston came out of the break with a purpose. Maddy Panozzo played a pass to Johnson, who unleashed a shot from distance that found the upper corner of the net. The goal was Johnson's eighth of the year, which is three shy of tying the school record for goals in a season.

The Bearkat defense has been outstanding in recent weeks with three shutouts in the last four games. Freshman Caitlyn Schwartz has anchored the back line and played nearly every minute of the last four matches.

Hambleton has put in some great performances recently as well. The junior goalkeeper made three saves to keep the clean sheet against the Lions.

With two regular season games left, Sam Houston is on pace to have the best finish in school history. The Kats sit firmly in second place and a win over Houston Baptist on Friday night would all but guarantee the second seed and a first round bye in the Southland Tournament.

The Bearkats host HBU Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Pritchett Field and will close the regular season against Nicholls at home Sunday at 1:00 p.m.