BY: MELISSA CEBOLD, Southland Conference

SUGAR LAND – No. 8 Stephen F. Austin defeated No. 1 Sam Houston State 1-0 in a must-win game to force another game against the Bearkats in the 2016 Southland Conference tournament at Constellation Field.

SFA scored the first run of the game when junior first baseman singled to right field to score junior designated hitter Conner Fikes for a 1-0 lead over the Bearkats.

This marks the second game of the season the Bearkats have suffered a shutout with coming in a 0-2 loss at Wichita Stat on March 5.

The Lumberjacks improve to 30-29 while Sam Houston State drops to 39-20 with the loss.

The Bearkats and Lumberjacks have a quick turnaround for a 3 p.m. rematch on ESPN3 at Constellation Field.