PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas | The theme of the 2019 soccer season continued in the opening round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) soccer tournament Thursday night.

For the 10th time in 11 matches against conference competition, seventh-seeded Alabama State found itself in a one goal match. And for the second time this season it was Prairie View A&M as the Hornets fell to the host and second-seeded Panthers 1-0 in the opening round.

Prairie View scored the lone goal of the match in the 38th minute when Lesa Griffin scored her first goal as the ball hit off the post and danced on the line, crossing into the net for the 1-0 lead. The Panthers were able to hold on to the lead for the duration of the match as they outshot Alabama State 9-2, however, Alabama State had a chance late in the match when a shot by McKenna Wiscombe in the 86th minute was saved.

The Hornets defense held Prairie View A&M to just four shots on goal of their nine total shots, and Hrafnhildur Hjaltalin recorded three saves in the loss for Alabama State.

The loss ends the careers of seniors Meaghan Fielding and Alanna Manning who each were a part of two SWAC championships for the Hornets and helped lead Alabama State to the semifinals last season. Meanwhile, Prairie View A&M advances to the semifinals to take on Jackson State Friday.

Quotable from head coach Jodie Smith
"This was a tough loss in difficult conditions. I am really pleased with the effort and the fight that we had throughout the game." – on the game

"We will use the offseason to get heathy with an eye to start preparing for next season. I am so proud of our seniors, Alanna and Meaghan, and what they have meant to our program's success." – on seniors

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