| Freshman Alli Dillon netted her team-leading 10th goal of the year on Thursday. |
NATCHITOCHES, La. ? Alli Dillon, the 2007 Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, broke a scoreless tie with her team-leading 10th goal of the season and the No. 3 seed UTSA soccer team picked up its first-ever SLC Tournament victory, 1-0, on Thursday against the No. 6 seed Sam Houston State. The Roadrunners (9-8-2) advanced to Friday's 7 p.m. semifinal against No. 2 seed Stephen F. Austin
Dillon took a pass from freshman Jenna Pawelek during the 71st minute and beat Bearkats goalkeeper Jenny Pence to give UTSA a 1-0 lead. It would be all the offense the Roadrunners would need, as freshman Allison McCabe continued her outstanding play in the net.
Withless than 11 minutes remaining in the match, Nichole Watkins and Yoanna Garcia had wide open looks, but McCabe made a pair of diving saves to seal thevictory for the Roadrunners. She finished the match with five en route to her fourth shutout in seven starts this season.
"Our team played well, especially in the second half." head coach SteveBallard said after the win. "They were able to make the necessary adjustments and itgot us a win against a good team."
The Bearkats (6-11) held an 11-5 shots edge in a scoreless first half,but UTSA turned the tables after the break, out shooting Sam HoustonState 9-7. The Roadrunners were led sophomore Veronica Najera's sevenshots, while four Bearkats had three shots apiece.