The Sam Houston State soccer defense has been a strength all season but was unable to slow down SMU's potent offense, allowing a season-high three goals in a 3-1 loss to the Mustangs on Friday evening from Wescott Field.
"We had a couple defensive laps tonight and got punished for them," said eighth-year head coach Tom Brown.
Meanwhile, the Bearkats (2-3-1) offense was limited to a season-low three shots, with the lone score coming from junior Jordan Jarzombek, who secured her first goal of the season and third-career netter. The Spring product has produced one goal each of the last three seasons.
After SMU (2-3-2) went up 2-0 in the 51st minute, the Kats struck 20 seconds later when Jarzombek headed one in, thanks to a nice ball from Maddy Panozzo who registered her first assist.
"I was happy to see our response after the second goal," Brown said. "We were able to go down the field and score to make it 2-1. We played a lot of players and were able to see them under pressure."
Sam Houston senior goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton recorded three saves while the Mustangs' Shannon Maroney needed just one. The Mustangs logged 17 shots, including six on goal, with a pair of goals coming from Paige Jacobs and another from Lauren Guerra.
Jacobs put SMU up in the 16th minute with her second goal of the season, helped by Vanessa Valedez, who registered all three assists for the Mustangs. Jacobs added her second in the 51st minute.
With the Bearkats hanging around within one in the 62nd minute, Guerra delivered a ball to the left of Hambleton to increase the deficit. The match saw 10 penalties including seven on the Mustangs.
Sam Houston wraps up non-conference play on Sunday, visiting Prairie View A&M. The match is slated for 7 p.m. from the Prairie View A&M Soccer Complex.
For the latest on Bearkat soccer, follow @SHSUSoccer and visit GoBearkats.com.
