HOUSTON, Texas | In a matchup for the top spot in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) women's soccer standings, Grambling State left little doubt on Friday night as GSU blanked host Texas Southern, 2-0, at Durley Stadium.
 
"The team played inspired soccer tonight," Grambling State first-year head coach Justin Wagar said. "It took us a little time to adjust to the turf, but we settled down and started moving the ball well and creating chances. Texas Southern is a quality team and it was a great match to watch."
 
After a scoreless first half where Grambling State out-shot Texas Southern, 7-3, GSU broke through to break the tie in the 59th minute.
 
Janee Harris received the ball outside the penalty area by Kristy Melendez and Kaylee Holt. Harris fired a shot past Texas Southern goalkeeper Tamryn Syron for the goal, giving Grambling State a 1-0 advantage.
 
Grambling State (6-5-0 overall, 4-0-0 SWAC) put the game out of reach in the 76th minute with its second goal of the night off a counter attack.
 
Holt collected the ball from La Nita Hughes and fired it past Syron to give GSU a commanding 2-0 lead.
 
Turning Point
Grambling State controlled the first half and out-shot Texas Southern, 7-3. Sooner or later one of those shots would find the back of the net.
 
That is exactly what happened in the 59th minute.
 
Holt and Melendez combined to get Harris the ball and she made sure to slot it into the back of the net to break the
0-0 tie.
 
Inside the Numbers
· Grambling State goalkeeper Jordan Woodward finished with five saves, including three in the second half.
· Texas Southern goalkeeper Tamryn Syron registered three saves.
· Texas Southern held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
· There were a combined 31 fouls.
 
News & Notes
· For the first time this season, Grambling State won a game by more than a goal.
· Grambling State picked up its sixth win and has won four straight.
· Texas Southern fell to 4-5-2 overall and 3-1-1 in the SWAC.
 
Up Next
Grambling State returns to action with a 1 p.m. match against Prairie View A&M in a SWAC contest on Sunday in Prairie View, Texas.
 
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