PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas. - Junior Yaira Guardado scored the first postseason goal in program history to put the Lady Braves ahead early, but top-seed Alabama State prevailed 2-1 Thursday in the opening round of the 2017 SWAC Championships, hosted by Prairie View A&M.
Redshirt-sophomore Rita Okoro took a team-high six shots, including three on goal, and assisted Guardado's score. Redshirt-senior Viktoriya Mihaylova followed with three shots, placing one on frame. Guardado and sister Priscilla Guardado finished with a pair of shots each. Freshman Kameran Proby made 10 saves in a complete-game effort in the net.
"We played well today," said head coach Junior Noel. "We were very competitive. The team gave a very commendable performance. Unfortunately, a couple calls didn't go our way and, on another day, things surely could have been different. As we look back on the season, based on all the obstacles we had to face, I am happy in the way in which we stayed positive throughout. In two and a half months, these young ladies have grown tremendously. This is as a result of the strong leadership of the team captains who have made my job more enjoyable. Kudos to the team continuing to fight for each other. There is a new dog in the SWAC women's soccer fight!"
Alcorn took an early lead in the 21st minute as Okoro set up Guardado's score to the lower left side of the net. The Lady Braves looked to go into the break with the 1-0 advantage, but the Lady Hornets (11-7, 8-2 SWAC) were fouled in the box in the 42nd minute and converted the ensuing penalty kick.
ASU outshot Alcorn 10-8 in the opening half. Both teams took a corner kick and the Lady Hornets committed more fouls (6-2).
Alabama State came out of the break fast as Inma Martinez found the back of the net in the 48th minute, giving the reigning conference champions a 2-1 lead. Mihaylova had an opportunity to tie the game as she was awarded a penalty kick in the 61st minute, but could not capitalize as ASU's goalie made the save. The Lady Braves pressed late in the game and had four looks at goal, but could not post an equalizer as the Lady Hornets held on for the comeback victory.
Alcorn recorded more saves in the game (10-5) and committed fewer fouls (11-2), with the Lady Hornets receiving a pair of cautions.
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