Texas Southern overcame a 1-0 first half deficit to make history as the Tigers clinched the 2024 SWAC Soccer Regular Season Championship for the first time in school history by a 4-1 margin Friday over Prairie View A&M.
TSU put pressure on the Panthers early on with four shots within the first 15 minutes. However, Prairie View A&M struck first with an early goal in the 18th minute. Despite the early setback, the Tigers kept their heads up and battled but struggled to put the ball in the net from that point. However, the tide would change along with the mood of the stadium in the 37th minute as a TSU free kick bounced off the PVAMU goalie and junior Jacylyn Russ was there to tap it in for the 1-1 tie which stood until halftime.
Early in the second half, TSU senior Victoria Pucci stole the ball from a PVAMU defender and stormed down the field as she found Russ for her second goal of the night and a 2-1 lead which sent the crowd into a frenzy as they could breathe a sigh of relief. Late in the match, sophomore Rayal Henderson emerged after a scramble in the box and scored a goal along with senior Mercy Lawson in the 88th minute.
TSU won its first SWAC Regular Season Soccer Championship in school history under first-year head coach Kendall Ayers. The Tigers quickly move into postseason mode as they'll face Prairie View A&M once again Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the first round of the SWAC Soccer Tournament in Prairie View, Texas.
