The Sam Houston State Bearkats soccer team (2-9) swept both of their Louisiana opponents this weekend in two eye-opening shutouts away from home.
On Friday evening, SHSU cruised past Nicholls State (2-7) with a score of 2-0.Following that impressive showing, the Bearkats went into Southeastern Louisiana Sunday (2-7-1) for a 1-0 victory.
The first win of the season was a convincing one for the Kats.Goalkeeper Melissa Sauceda had four saves en route to her first shutout of the season and her first career shutout of a Southland Conference opponent. Noelle Wiggins, a freshman middle fielder from Alvin, put in the first goal of the game with an unassisted score at the 25:09 mark.Head Coach Marcia Oliveira was pleasantly surprised by Wiggins’ assertiveness.
“She has done all the things that we have asked. We needed to take more shots, and she is providing them,” Oliveira said. “She took the responsibility to step up, which is rare to find in a freshman.”
Forward Kim Brown put the game further out of reach for Nicholls with a goal at 34:14.Brown led the team with nine shots.
In the weekend’s second game on Sunday, SHSU won thier second consecutive Southland Conference game. Goalie Melissa Sauceda was credited with eight saves and a second consecutive shut out.
“These two games were her first shutouts in conference play. Everything she has worked for is showing,” Oliveira said.”She’s been bringing outstanding skills, especially with her leadership.”
The game’s only score came with two minutes left in regulation.With time running out, Noelle Wiggins took her only shot of the game.Wiggins’ shot managed to find the back of the net to give the Lady Kats their second win of the season.
The importance of the team’s performance cannot be understated.
“This is huge. Anytime in soccer, if you win in someone else’s house, it’s bigger than a win,” Oliveira said.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the team has matched its win total from last year.
The Kats next game will be on Friday the 14 in Nacogdoches against SLC rival Stephen F. Austin.