COMMERCE – After totaling just two goals during non-conference play, the Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team scored four in the second half on Friday night for a 4-1 victory over Houston Baptist at the Lion Soccer Field, in the first Southland Conference contest played by any team at A&M-Commerce.
 
The Lions and the Huskies came into the day without a win. A&M-Commerce picked up its first win of its first Division I season, moved to 1-0 in conference play, and Friday's win was also the first as a head coach for Ashley Gordon. The Lions are now 1-4-1 on the season. The Huskies drop to 0-4-2 on the season.
 

COACH ASHLEY GORDON'S THOUGHTS
 
Both teams played through a scoreless first half despite nine shots from each side. The Huskies had an opportunity to take the lead on a penalty shot, but it sailed wide right.
 
Karalie Morrison (Colleyville Heritage) scored the Lions' first goal at home of the season on an assist by Mya Mitchell (Dallas – Mesquite Horn). Houston Baptist tied the match in the 58^th minute on a goal from Xya Balderas.
 
Less than a minute later, Kaitlyn Valaitis (Rowlett – Sachse) brought the score back in the Lions' favor with a free kick goal. Mitchell added the first goal of her freshman campaign in the 61^st minute and tacked on one more in the 74^th minute.
 
Gillian McKenzie (Mesquite Horn) recorded her first start at home and stopped four saves to pick up a winning decision. Morrison led the way with five shots, while both Mitchell and Ashley Campuzano (Dallas – Atlas Prep) had four each. HBU outshot the Lions, 19-18, with Mia Salas recording six shots.
 
Mitchell's brace is the first time that a Lion scored multiple goals in a match since Cora Welch in the regular season finale against Oklahoma Christian last season.
 
UP NEXT
The Lions are off the for the next seven days before making the trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana to take on McNeese, who is also 1-0 in SLC play, on Friday, September 16, at 7 p.m.