RUSTON, La. | The Grambling State University women's soccer team battled back from a four-goal deficit but could not complete the comeback Thursday evening, falling to Houston Christian University, 4-2, at the Ruston Sports Complex.
The Lady Tigers dropped to 1-3-1 on the season, while Houston Christian improved to 2-3-1.
Houston Christian controlled the opening half, scoring four times in the first 28 minutes to build a commanding advantage.
Mikaela Valentine opened the scoring in the 10th minute, before Madison Stormberg added back-to-back goals in the 13th and 15th minutes. Olivia Rossman capped the first-half scoring in the 28th minute, giving the Huskies a 4-0 lead heading into halftime.
Despite the deficit, Grambling State continued to compete and found its offensive rhythm after the break.
Cariana Pou put the Lady Tigers on the board in the 64th minute, converting a scoring opportunity off an assist from Pearl Wicks to cut the deficit to 4-1.
GSU continued to pressure the Houston Christian defense, and Nyla Dore-Anderson pulled the Lady Tigers within two goals in the 72nd minute. Dore-Anderson's goal marked her fourth of the season and came unassisted.
The Lady Tigers continued to create opportunities down the stretch, but Houston Christian's defense held firm to preserve the victory.
Dore-Anderson led Grambling State with three shots, including two on goal, while Layla Jackson recorded two shots on target. Pou finished with one shot and one goal.
Goalkeeper Alina Arneth played all 90 minutes for GSU and recorded one save.
Houston Christian finished with a 10-8 advantage in shots and earned seven corner kicks compared with three for the Lady Tigers.
Rossman led the Huskies with one goal and two assists, while Stormberg scored twice. Houston Christian goalkeeper Emmy McKeon made three saves before Patty Staton finished the match and recorded one save.
UP NEXT
Grambling State returns to action on Sunday afternoon when it hosts McNeese State at the Ruston Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
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