SWAC Play Opens With Offensive Explosion Friday Night

HOUSTON – Texas Southern opened SWAC play with an offensive explosion as they defeated Alcorn State 5-0 Friday night inside Durley Stadium.

“It’s a great way to open up SWAC,” said head coach Lindsay Vera. “This is exactly what we were hoping to happen so it can lead us into the rest of conference play.”

TSU wasted no time in setting the tone as they spent the majority of the first half attacking the Alcorn State defense. The Tigers recorded 10 shots before breaking the glass ceiling in the 21st minute after a shot goal by Desiree Harte. Eight minutes later, TSU upped its margin to 2-0 as Mia Marshall scored off an assist from Alexis Luna to close out the scoring in the half.

“We’re seeing the confidence in the entire group and based on the chemistry they’ve gotten to build in non-conference play everyone’s a little more calm and more composed,” said Vera “So even in moments when they lose the ball it seems like we’re still confident and in our ability to reover it and play out of the back. I think the chemistry was on today.”

The Tigers found the scoreboard once again in the second half as Rania Kablawi’s header sailed past the goalie off a corner kick from Kayla Smith. From there, the shots kept on coming as Jada MacLean recorded the next three shot attempts with a goal coming on her third attempt for a 4-0 advantage. Cassandra Sandoval would close out the scoring for TSU with a goal in the 73rd minute.

TSU is back in action Sunday afternoon versus Mississippi Valley State at 1 p.m. inside Durley Stadium.