Sam Houston State battled back from a two-goal deficit, scoring twice in the final 13 minutes of regulation to notch a 2-2 double-overtime tie against Houston Baptist on Friday night in the second Southland Conference match this season.
With a largely new starting lineup this season showing strong development of late, the Bearkats posted their first multi-goal game in seven outings, storming back with a goal in the 77th minute from Kaylee Davis and then the game-equalizer by Allie Johnson in the 84th minute courtesy of a penalty kick.
“Hopefully they see it as a positive step forward,” head coach Tom Brown said. “We still have 80 percent of the conference left. Getting a point on the road will be helpful in the long run. Hopefully they recognize the good things we did and get a win on Sunday to finish off the road swing.”
The goal was the second of the season for both players as the Bearkats (0-9-1, 0-1-1 Southland) matched the Huskies (3-5-1, 1-0-1 SLC) shot for shot with 24 each. Micaela Birt led the charge with six total shots, including two on goal, while Davis had three shots on goal and four total.
“I thought even though we were down at half, we put a lot of good stuff together and were unable to finish their chances,” Brown said. “I thought the team definitely competed and got in. Kaylee Davis scored a great goal and we had the penalty kick opportunity for us. We had several chances to win the game and unfortunately weren't able to but it's still a step in the direction we want to go.”
The Bearkats nine shots on goal marked the most this season as did the squads' 13 saves, all collected by Anna Kaiser. Sam Houston managed nine corner kicks on the night, second most this season, while taking momentum into the squads' final match of a nine-game road trip, Sunday (1 p.m.) at A&M-Corpus Christi.
“I think she's gotten better and I think she played well tonight,” Brown said of Kaiser. “It's been hard on her to be exposed from defensive mistakes and give up goals. Their first goal was a great shot and the second one she made a great save but it went to an unmarked player. I hope she gains confidence from it and keeps moving towards a shutout.”
