The Sam Houston offense continued to fire on all cylinders, as the Bearkats beat Northwestern State 4-1 Friday night at Pritchett Field. It only took five minutes for the Kats to open the scoring and another goal just before halftime sealed the win.
The win moves the Kats to 3-1 in Southland play and sets up a matchup with 3-0 SFA Sunday in Nacogdoches. The Kats have scored four goals in each of the last three games and have 14 total goals in four conference games.
“It's always important that we win these home games,” head coach Tom Brown said. “We came out and got an early goal. Overall we're pleased and we got four goals again tonight. Hopefully this is a positive step as we get ready for SFA.”
SHSU opened the scoring when junior right back Katie Bunch got forward and served a great cross into the box that Allie Johnson headed powerfully into the top corner of the net. The Demon goalkeeper was able to get a hand on it but couldn't keep it out of the net.
Freshman defender Caitlyn Schwartz bagged her first career goal when she was left unmarked on a corner kick. Junior Mariah Titus drove the corner kick into the box and Schwartz made a great run at the far post to volley into the net.
“It was my first goal in college, which is great. After that everyone started to settle down and relax,” Schwartz said. “It was great to get some fresh legs in tonight and be able to relax and get prepared for the next game.”
Junior Shelby McDaniel was able to put the game away with a goal in the 72nd minute. Mariah Titus played a free kick into the box that was flicked on by Ashley Alonzo. McDaniel was able to get on the end of it and chip the ball over the Northwestern goalkeeper.
Alonzo, Johnson and McDaniel are now tied for the team lead with five goals apiece this season.
“We took our chances and we kept possession. We did what we've been training to do and things are coming together,” McDaniel said. “The third goal is the most important and we were fortunate to score it. This is good for our confidence going into the game with SFA.”
The Kats switched off on defense with less than ten minutes left to play and the Demons were able to get on the score sheet. Nikki Saunders delivered a corner kick and Payton Rooney headed past SHSU goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton.
An own goal less than a minute later gave the Bearkats their fourth goal. Ashley Fluty sent a cross into the box that hit a Demon defender and rolled into the net.
The game was very physical and a little heated at times. In all, 28 fouls were called and six yellow cards were handed out.
SHSU will take on SFA at 1 p.m. in Nacogdoches Sunday and will have the next four games on the road.
