JACKSON, Miss. — Texas Southern opened SWAC play Friday afternoon with grit and energy but ultimately fell 2-0 to Jackson State at the JSU Soccer Complex.
Despite the final score, the Lady Tigers showed flashes of promise throughout the match. Goalkeeper Alessandra Bastidas stood tall in net, recording four saves and keeping the game within reach for most of the contest. The defense held firm through the first half, limiting Jackson State to just five shots and heading into halftime in a scoreless deadlock.
Offensively, TSU created chances early. Liliane Clase Baez and Alyssa Taylor each tested JSU's keeper, while Ava Magana and Kamara Bradley added pressure off the bench. The Lady Tigers earned two corner kicks and fired off nine total shots, seven of which were on target.
Jackson State broke through in the 63rd minute with an unassisted goal from Zaniyah Gonzague, followed by a second strike just four minutes later from Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper, assisted by Caylah Williams and Alayla Jackson.
TSU's midfield and backline continued to battle, with Clara Dotigny and Liz Alberto contributing key stops and transitions.
The match took on a physical tone, with TSU receiving four yellow cards and committing 12 fouls. Still, the team maintained composure and fought until the final whistle.
Texas Southern will look to regroup and bounce back as conference play continues. The Lady Tigers remain on the road and head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take on Southern on Sunday at 1 p.m.
