HOUSTON, Texas l Head coach Justin Wagar and the Grambling State University women's soccer team (8-9-1, 5-3) improved in its overall and conference standings (Southwestern Athletic Conference) after battling Texas Southern University, (5-9-1, 4-3-1 SWAC) a third place team in the conference, earning a 2-1 road win on Friday.

"I am proud of how we responded with a game-winning goal after Texas Southern tied up the game in the final minutes," said Coach Wagar. "It feels good; being able to secure a playoff spot with a few games to go, to rest up and prepare for the tournament in a few weeks."

After a 0-0 score at the half, Grambling State earned a throw-in near Texas Southern's goal. Two minutes into the second half, midfielder Jordyn King launched a 20-yard throw-in at the goal that made its way through the crowd in the box and into the back of the net for the lead.

Grambling State had a flurry of opportunities in the next 20 minutes, but failed to add to to their lead. In the final four minutes of the game, Texas Southern recovered a loose ball and was able to equalize the score.

With less than a minute left in regulation, Kaylie Pena received the ball out on the flank and dribbled past her defender, launching a blistering shot from 22 yards out that found its way to the back of the net.

Inside the Numbers
> Pena's scoring is the team's leading sixth goal of the season
> Goalkeeper Hanna Johnson played 45 minutes and recorded a total of six saves
> Goalkeeper Rachel Pugh played the second half
> Salma Ghazal of Texas Southern played both halves and registered three saves 
> Grambling State finished with 15 shots, with five on goal
> Texas Southern finished with 15 shots, with seven on goal

News and Notes
> Since 2017, Grambling State has won the last two meetings
> With the win over Texas Southern, Grambling State is eligible to compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference women's soccer tournament during Nov. 7-10
> Grambling State is 4th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference  

Up Next
Grambling State will continue conference action on the road, Sunday, Oct. 27 against second place ranked Prairie View A&M University. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

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