MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State women's soccer came up just short in its Southwestern Athletic Conference opener, dropping a 2-1 decision to Southern on Friday evening at the ASU Soccer Complex.

The Lady Hornets struck first just six minutes into the match when a Southern own goal gave ASU an early 1-0 lead. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Southern's Nyeemah Prescod-Beckles found the back of the net less than two minutes later, assisted by Gia Johnson, to even the score at 1-1.

Both sides battled through a physical first half, with Alabama State goalkeeper Kailyn Roselli collecting four saves to keep the match level at the break.

The second half remained tightly contested, but Southern managed the breakthrough in the 82nd minute. Freshman Shania Walters capitalized on a loose ball and scored her first career goal to put the Lady Jaguars ahead 2-1.

Alabama State pressed for an equalizer in the closing minutes, generating late shots from Rhamsey Griffith and Briana Sites and others, but the Southern keeper finished with four saves to secure the victory. Serenity Safeeullah tied for match-high honors with four shots, while Jordan Williams and Sites added two each.

ASU will host Jackson State on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at the ASU Soccer Complex.