HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston soccer team scored two goals in the first half and held on for a thrilling 2-1 victory over McNeese at Pritchett Field on Thursday night.
 
The Bearkats have now won three in a row and improved to 4-4-1 in Southland Conference play to keep pace in the race for a berth to the league's postseason tournament. The Cowgirls fell to 3-6-1 overall and 3-5-1 in SLC action.
 
Sophomore Brooke Jones got Sam Houston on the board halfway through the opening period. She had a one-on-one situation with the goalie, and she juked left then went right as the keeper fell to allow Jones to punch the ball into the right corner of the net in the 26^th minute.
 
It did not take the Kats long to add what proved to be a critical insurance goal.
 
There was a scrum for the ball following a SHSU throw in, and freshman Landri Townsend was able to secure the it and toe poke a shot into the left side of the net to make it 2-0 in the 33^rd minute.
 
McNeese came out firing in the second half, scoring a goal in the 47^th minute, but the Bearkats used stellar defense to keep the Cowgirls from tying the match.
 
Goalkeeper Abby DeLozier faced seven shots on goal and finished with six saves.
 
Sam Houston will conclude its home portion of the schedule Saturday when the Bearkats host Lamar at 3 p.m.