NACOGDOCHES, Texas | Jackson State women's soccer put together an impressive first-half response and carried a lead into halftime before Stephen F. Austin rallied in the second half to hand the Tigers a 4-2 setback Sunday afternoon at SFA Soccer Field.
Jackson State (1-6-0) produced one of its strongest offensive stretches of the season in the opening 45 minutes, firing 13 shots and scoring twice to take a 2-1 advantage into the break. The Tigers finished the afternoon with 16 shots, including six on goal.
SFA opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but Jackson State wasted little time answering. Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper brought the Tigers level at 1-1 in the 24th minute, finishing an opportunity set up by Elon Sheffield. The goal was Hawthorn-Harper's third of the season.
Just 3:37 later, the Tigers struck again. Sarah Portis found the back of the net in the 27th minute off an assist from Kianah Farmer, giving Jackson State a 2-1 advantage. Portis' goal was her second of the season.
The two goals capped an aggressive first half for JSU. The Tigers generated 13 shots and three corner kicks during the period while holding SFA to 10 shots. Jackson State entered halftime protecting its one-goal advantage.
SFA responded after the break, equalizing in the 52nd minute on a goal from Savanna Oberholtzer. The match remained deadlocked at 2-2 for more than 25 minutes as Jackson State continued battling to regain the advantage.
The Ladyjacks eventually broke through in the 78th minute when Alyce Chappelle scored to make it 3-2. Jackson State continued searching for an equalizer, with Asia Wilson putting an attempt on frame less than a minute later, but SFA goalkeeper Savannah Epting made the save. Chappelle added the final goal in the 89th minute to produce the 4-2 final.
Hawthorn-Harper led Jackson State's attack with five shots, two on goal and one goal. Portis converted her only attempt of the afternoon into JSU's second goal, while Sheffield and Farmer each recorded an assist. Asia Wilson added two shots, including one on goal.
Taylor Osborn played all 90 minutes in goal for the Tigers and finished with seven saves against 23 SFA shots. She made three saves during the opening half and four more after halftime.
"The team has been great," said head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. "It's on me to make us better in some areas, and I'm currently not doing enough as a coach or am not helping in a more efficient manner."
Inside the Numbers
• Jackson State recorded 16 shots with six attempts on goal.
• The Tigers outshot SFA 13-10 during the first half.
• JSU scored twice in a span of 3:37.
• Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper scored her third goal of the season and led the Tigers with five shots.
• Sarah Portis registered her second goal of the season.
• Elon Sheffield and Kianah Farmer each collected an assist.
• Taylor Osborn finished with seven saves.
• JSU earned all three of its corner kicks in the opening half.
• The Tigers carried a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Up Next
The Tigers will host Austin Peay at the JSU Soccer Field on Friday. Kickoff is set for 3 pm.
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