PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The No. 3 seed Alcorn State women's soccer team punched its ticket to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament semifinals for the second consecutive season Thursday night, defeating No. 6 seed Alabama State, 1-0, at Lady Panther Soccer Field.
A first-half goal from Ainara Aldeano proved to be the difference as the Lady Braves improved to 8-4-5 on the season, while Alabama State finished at 2-11-4.
Alcorn will face No. 7 seed Southern in Friday's semifinal matchup at 6 p.m. in Prairie View, Texas.
Match Recap
Alcorn State broke through in the 24th minute when Aldeano found the back of the net at the 23:36 mark off an assist from Annick Zouma. The goal marked Aldeano's third of the season and gave the Lady Braves an early 1-0 advantage.
The Lady Braves continued applying offensive pressure throughout the opening half, recording seven shots and four corner kicks. Aldeano, Larissa Joso Luma and Grace Ambrose each tested Alabama State goalkeeper Deetya Satyal, who made three first-half saves.
Alcorn entered halftime holding a 1-0 lead and a 7-4 advantage in shots.
The Lady Braves maintained their offensive momentum in the second half, outshooting the Lady Hornets 9-2. Sophia Bobie recorded two shots on goal, while Zouma and Viviana Sanchez added opportunities that forced saves from Satyal.
Defensively, goalkeeper Renata Da Rosa delivered a strong performance between the posts, finishing with four saves to secure the shutout. Da Rosa made two saves in each half as the Alcorn defense held Alabama State scoreless through 90 minutes.
Alcorn finished with a 16-6 advantage in total shots, including an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. Aldeano and Zouma led the offensive attack with three shots apiece, while Bobie, Ambrose, Luma and Deryn Doamekpor each recorded two.
Match Notes
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Alcorn State advances to the SWAC Tournament semifinals for the second consecutive season after also reaching the round in 2025.
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Aldeano scored her third goal of the season and the game-winner in the 24th minute.
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Zouma recorded the assist on Alcorn's lone goal.
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Da Rosa collected four saves and earned a shutout.
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The Lady Braves outshot Alabama State 16-6, including 9-2 in the second half.
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Alcorn recorded its eighth victory of the season.
Up Next
The Lady Braves return to action Friday, Nov. 13, against No. 7 seed Southern in the SWAC Tournament semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the PVAMU Soccer Complex in Prairie View, Texas.