LAKE CHARLES, La. | Jackson State battled for 90 minutes Thursday night at Cowgirl Field, continuing to push forward until the final whistle in a 2-0 setback against McNeese.
The Tigers faced an early test as McNeese found the net in the eighth minute, but Jackson State responded by creating opportunities of its own. Nahomy Portillo, Kyla Gomez and Asia Wilson each put shots on frame during the opening half, forcing McNeese goalkeeper Shannon Dempsey to make saves to preserve the home team's advantage.
Jackson State goalkeeper Kianah Farmer kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the contest. Farmer recorded nine saves, including four in the opening half and five after halftime, repeatedly denying McNeese scoring chances.
After entering halftime trailing 1-0, the Tigers continued to fight for an equalizer. Laila Anderson and Cora Kmiec tested the McNeese defense early in the second half, while Farmer continued to stand tall in goal. Jackson State also received another strong stretch of attacking play late in the match.
McNeese added its second goal in the 67th minute, but Jackson State refused to back down. The Tigers generated several opportunities in the closing minutes, with Josetiarainnah Olaco, Kaila Tablado and others continuing to attack the McNeese goal. Tablado forced another save from Dempsey in the 88th minute, and Olaco followed with another attempt moments later.
Jackson State finished the night with 10 shots, seven of which were on target, while Farmer's nine saves highlighted a determined defensive performance.
The Tigers will look to build from the competitive stretches of Thursday's match as they continue the early-season schedule. Despite the final score, Jackson State showed resilience, continued to create chances and battled through the final minutes against a McNeese side that entered the contest unbeaten.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Monroe, La. to take on ULM Thursday. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.
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