The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell
Seniors Jen Babcock and Chelsea Villaescusa were honored Sunday during the Senior Day Ceremony. The duo of seniors have been vital in the Lady Lion defense this season as both have played significant minutes this season

The Southeastern Lady soccer team’s 7-0 winning streak at their home field came to an end when they played against Sam Houston State this past weekend and lost 1-0. 

Furthering the loss’ blow was that the game was also the Senior Day for the team’s two seniors and defensive players Chelsea Villaescusa and Jen Babcock. The game began promptly at 1:00 p.m. following the recognition of the two players.

Villaescusa plans on going back home to California state when she graduates. She said that she will miss the chemistry she has shared with her fellow players.

“I’ve learned a lot and made a bunch of lifelong friends,” said Villaescusa.

In the first half, neither team was able to gain the upper hand and score despite each having their share of shots at the opposing goal. It was mere minutes into the second half that the Badgers scored on the Lions when player Maddy Panozza distributed a ball to Allie Johnson who shot from 30 yards outside the goal, jumping over Southeastern’s goalie, Casey Jeanfreau.

“We couldn’t put the ball in the net, we had a lot of opportunities today down and in the 18 yard boxes, which is a vital area to score, and we just couldn’t bring the ball home. Some days just end up like that,” said head coach Blake Hornbuckle.

The teams each had eight shots apiece during the length of the game.  Sophomore Bri Sangh, juniors Gisenia Utreras and Erin Christ were Southeastern players who each took shots, but just missed for the Lady Lions. 

Cheyenne Maxwell and Katie Noonan each played the midfield and did well with ball possession and taking it up the field. Noonan and junior Maddie Allen also each conducted throw-ins that would reach to far sides of the field and continue opportunities for the lions.

“A big thing is winning not only the first ball but the second ball as well. We had a lot of times when the flick was on, it was us, and then the goalie bobbled it and no one was there to finish it,” said Singh.

With only two matches left in their regular season, the Lady Lions are fourth among teams eligible for next month’s Southland Conference Tournament. Six of the top teams in the league standings will be attending.

The university will have one more home game this Friday when they play Nicholls State at 3 p.m. The regular season will come to an end with a game at Houston Baptist on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Villaescusa had a piece of parting advice for the members of next year’s soccer team.

“Go out there and play with heart. You’re going to learn a lot, live it up and have fun,” said Villaescusa.

For more information on Lions athletics, check out lionsports.net.

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell
Junior Erin Christ battles for control of the ball during Sunday’s match against Sam Houston