The Prairie View A&M University soccer team surrendered a late goal in the first half, falling 2-1, Sunday afternoon in the final match of the regular season to Jackson State at Lady Panther Soccer Field.
With the win Jackson State propelled to sole possession of first place in the SWAC Eastern Division ,entering the SWAC tournament going 10-6-1 on the season and 4-0 in conference play.
The Lady Panthers drop to third place in the SWAC Western Division falling to an overall record of 6-12-1 and 2-2 in conference. After a near scoreless first half Jackson State was able to sneak a goal at the 44th minute of play as Micashea Bailey found a beautiful through ball from Elisa Mulzac getting behind the PV defense to close the first half on top 1-0.
At the sound of the whistle to kick off the second half Prairie View made an attempt to answer as forward Brenda Castillo made a run at goal, but was denied by a flawless save from Jackson State goalkeeper Alisson Lane. Prairie View was unable to find a crease in the JSU defense as the Lady Tigers held Prairie View to only five total shots on the game.
Jackson State was able to push the margin in the 80th minute as forward Joelle Gibson received a volley from Mulzac scoring JSU’s second goal of the game.
Refusing to sit back Prairie View was able to answer in the 83rd minute as Castillo recorded a goal, cutting the lead 2-1. Searching for the equalizing goal the Lady Panthers came close in the 89th minute on a corner kick volley into the box, but was punched out of trouble by Lane.
“It was good to give some of our younger players an opportunity to play today,” said head coach Abe Garcia. “We have a lot of players banged up, but fortunately our players who usually don’t see playing time, stepped up and played big roles for us today.”
In her debut performance Prairie View goalkeeper Valerie Villalobos finished the contest with six saves as her opposition, recorded two saves.
Kicking off SWAC tournament Prairie View will head to Pine Bluff, Ark. to face Mississippi Valley State University in round one which starts on Thurday, Nov. 4, at 3:30 p.m.