NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Lamar Lady Cardinals gave the defending Southland Conference champions Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks all they could handle before dropping a 2-1 overtime decision in an SLC women's soccer game Friday night.

SFA's Chelsea Raymond scored the game-winning goal just 69 seconds into the extra session when she blasted a shot into the top of the goal just above the outstretched fingertips of Lamar goalkeeper Bailey Fontenot.

Fontenot had a strong game in goal for Lamar, as the Southland Conference leader in saves turned aside 10 shots.

“We played a great game,” Lamar coach Orlando Cervantes said. “We stuck to our game plan and created some great chances. We just have to do a better job of finishing.”

SFA (6-2-1 overall, 2-0 Southland) took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a penalty-kick goal by Zuri Prince. Lamar tied the game early in the second half as Jannet Hernandez scored her second goal of the season, finishing a corner kick from Kristin Bos.

The Lady Cardinals (3-6, 1-1) had their chances to take the lead late in the second half, but couldn't get another shot past SFA goalkeeper Morgan Glick, who finished with four saves.

Lamar, which was outshot 13-5 in the first half, played much better in the second half, outshooting SFA 8-7.

“I was hoping we could get out of there with at least one point,” Cervantes said. It wasn't meant to be, but we showed we can play with the top teams in the league.”

The Lady Cardinals return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday when they travel to Houston Baptist for a Southland Conference game.

“Sunday is big for us,” Cervantes said. HBU is one of the teams we'll be fighting with for a tournament berth. We need to play with the same intensity we played with today.”

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