COMMERCE, TEXAS – The Lions lost a winnable game to West Texas A&M following a questionable call, leading to a game-winning penalty kick which dropped the Lions to 6-3-0 on the season, and 1-1 in conference play.
 
With only a baker's dozen minutes left to go in regulation, a mass of bodies began sprawling in front of the Lions' goal, including that of keeper Courtnie Northern. The officials decided to call the foul on A&M-Commerce, which granted the Lady Buffs an unobstructed penalty-kick.  Senior defender Rhea Belgrave fired (78'), Northern guessed wrong, and WT was able to hold on for the upset 1-0 win, rising to 4-5-0 overall.
 
"The penalty was questionable at best," said Lions' head coach Neil Piper. "I think in a game like that, you don't call it. However, we should have never let the game get that close. The finishing let us down today, and you can't blame the referee for the whole game. It was one call in a 90-minute game."
 
A&M-Commerce decisively controlled the time of possession, outshooting the Lady Buffs 30-11. However, none of the Lions' nine shots on goal made it past WT sophomore keeper Nicole Kemper, who got the shutout win in her first game between the pipes of the 2014 season.
 
Junior forward Jade Bell and senior midfielder Cadie Annett generated the majority of quality A&M-Commerce chances, tallying 3 shots on goal apiece. Sophomore Savannah Henderson was highly active on offense with 7 shots, though none of them found their way on net.
 
West Texas A&M moves into a tie with the Lions in the Lone Star Conference, as they now have matching 1-1 conference records.  The Lady Buffs lead the all-time series with the Lions 18-11-2, and will hope Sunday's success propels them forward when they go on to face Eastern New Mexico this Friday.
 
The Lions will have ample time to learn from this loss, as they are now idle for the next four days, having reached the halfway point of the season. On Friday, October 3, they are scheduled to travel to San Angelo, Texas to take on the 7-0-1 Angelo State University Rambelles. That contest is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.
 
Fans can follow all the action from the 2014-15 season on www.LionAthletics.com, through twitter @Lion_Athletics and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LionsAthletics.