BEAUMONT — Fifth-seeded Southeastern Louisiana broke open a defensive battle with two goals in the second half to pull away from seventh-seeded Sam Houston in the championship game of the Southland Conference Tournament at the Lamar Soccer Complex.
 
The game marked the third time the Bearkats (7-6-1) made it to the postseason tournament finale, and once again Sam Houston came up short after an amazing run that featured wins over second-seeded Lamar and third-seeded ACU. Senior Courtney Pawlik, sophomore Brooke Jones and junior Danielle Forsyth were all named to the all-tournament team.
 
The first half was a defensive battle with both teams limiting scoring opportunities, but the Lady Lions were able to break through in the 32nd minute.
 
Sophomore Mya Gillory's corner kick set up a header by Jamie Raines in the box, and Raines was somehow able to get the ball high over the outstretched arms of keeper Tatum Krueger to break a scoreless tie.
 
Krueger kept the Bearkats within striking distance when she turned the Lady Lions away on a penalty kick. Senior Megan Gordon's shot was chest high to the left, and Krueger made the leaping save to keep Southeastern Louisiana's lead at 1-0.
 
The Lady Lions were able to score two insurance goals in the second half by Raines and Hailie Yoder. Both shots were placed where Krueger was unable to defend.
 
Sam Houston had four shots on goal, all coming in the first half