SHREVEPORT, La. | Jackson State erased a halftime deficit early in the second half behind a goal from Josetiarainnah Olaco and continued to generate chances despite playing a player down, but the Tigers ultimately fell to Abilene Christian, 3-1, Saturday night at Messmer Stadium.
The Tigers finished with 12 shots, including five on goal, while holding a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks. Jackson State's attack grew stronger as the match progressed, producing seven of its 12 attempts after halftime.
How It Happened
Jackson State threatened early. Elon Sheffield put an attempt on frame in the eighth minute before having another shot blocked less than two minutes later. Sheffield tested Abilene Christian goalkeeper Bella Medrano again in the 20th minute, giving the Tigers three early opportunities.
Abilene Christian broke through in the 24th minute on a goal from Addison Briscoe, but Jackson State continued to push forward. Nahomy Portillo forced a save in the 29th minute, while Olaco sent an attempt wide shortly afterward as JSU entered halftime trailing just 1-0.
The Tigers wasted little time responding after the break.
Olaco delivered the equalizer at the 50:37 mark, finding the back of the net to pull Jackson State even at 1-1. The goal was Olaco's lone shot on target among her two attempts in 63 minutes of action.
The match shifted less than two minutes later when Jackson State's Makayla Sturkey was shown a red card. Abilene Christian converted the ensuing penalty kick through Mikayla Abrenica at 52:25, reclaiming a 2-1 advantage and leaving the Tigers to play the remainder of the contest down a player.
Jackson State remained aggressive despite the disadvantage. Portillo put another shot on goal in the 58th minute, and the Tigers earned back-to-back corner kicks in the 61st and 62nd minutes as they searched for a second equalizer.
Abilene Christian extended its advantage to 3-1 in the 70th minute when Aliyah Anderson scored off an assist from Briscoe. Still, JSU continued creating opportunities down the stretch. Nina Kammertoens had a shot blocked before Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper and Portillo each produced attempts during the closing stages.
Portillo was one of Jackson State's most active attacking threats, leading the Tigers with four shots and placing two on goal. Sheffield finished with three attempts and two shots on frame, while Olaco contributed two shots and JSU's lone goal.
Kianah Farmer recorded six saves in goal for Jackson State, including three in each half. She made a pair of saves late in the contest to help keep the Tigers within striking distance.
Jackson State finished just two shots behind Abilene Christian, 14-12, and generated five shots on goal against nine for the Wildcats. The Tigers also showed their ability to respond to adversity, answering the opening goal with Olaco's equalizer before the pivotal sequence early in the second half changed the complexion of the match.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Lake Charles, La. to face McNeese State on Thursday evening. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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