Freshman forward Allie Johnson bagged her first career goal against Nicholls State in the first round of the Southland Conference playoffs.

Johnson’s header off junior defender Ashley Fluty’s cross was just enough for Sam Houston State to hold off the Colonels 1-0 Thursday in Lake Charles, La.

Thursday’s win follows the Bearkats previous matchup against the Colonels five days ago, losing 3-2 from the leg of Nicholls State forward Spencer Valdespino.

“It was a quick turnaround for us,” SHSU head coach Tom Brown said. “But having that experience was good for us. We’re excited to be moving on. It was a great finish by Allie on the goal. We’ve spent a lot of time working on set pieces and it was definitely a timely goal for us.”

The Bearkats connected eight shots on goal versus the Colonels’ five. According to GoBearkats, sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Hambleton booked another strong effort with four saves in the finanl 19 minutes.

SHSU will now face school rival, and No. 1 seed, Stephen F. Austin tonight at 7 p.m. for the Bearkats third appearance in the semifinals in the last four years. The Lumberjacks ousted the Bearkats in overtime 1-0 last month.