MONTGOMERY, ALA.  – Riding a second half surge, the Alabama State women's soccer team broke through for a 2-0 conference victory against SWAC rival Jackson State at the ASU Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.

In the 46th minute, Ariela Lewis passed to Emily Fleming, who scored on a shot from straightaway that nestled into the middle of the net.  

The Ar. Lewis to Fleming connection occurred again in the 59^th minute, on a shot that crossed from left to right and into the corner of the net. 

Ar. Lewis' two assists gives her a team-leading six on the season while Fleming has registered at least one point in three consecutive matches.   

It was Fleming's first career game-winner at ASU. 

"There's always that saying that you should win your home games and split on the road," said ASU head coach Jodie Smith.

"We knew that she [Fleming] has been creating a lot of chances and really just hadn't taken her time to get a good look on the goal," Smith said.

"We knew that's she's capable.  She clicked today.  Her first goal was a great strike and her second was even better.  It's nice to get her in the drink.  Ariela [Lewis] found her in good spots and when we do that, we're dangerous."

Since conference play opened on September 25, Alabama State (4-8-1, 4-1 SWAC) has outscored the opposition 11-2. 

ASU outshot Jackson State 23-15, however, the Lady Tigers held a 10-7 edge for shots on goal.

It was the first loss for the Lady Tigers in conference play, dropping to 3-1-1 in the SWAC and falling to 6-6-2 overall. 

A back-and-forth pace characterized the first half with neither team was able to find the back of the net. 

But, just like in Friday's 6-0 win against Southern, the Lady Hornets made their opportunities count after halftime.

Over its last two matches, ASU has scored six goals in the second half. 

The defensive back line for the Lady Hornets was stout for most of the match with seniors Kaedi Waltherand Emily Ziolkowski and redshirt sophomore Aiyana Canister providing plenty of good energy and spoiling the Lady Tigers' offensive chances. 

 ASU goalkeeper Gianna Guyot made 10 saves to secure her fourth shutout in her last five matches.  

All of which were conference matches. 

ASU will be on the road this coming weekend for two matches beginning on Friday at 7 p.m. against Alcorn State for another conference match. 

Alabama State will play at Mississippi Valley State on Sunday at 1 p.m.

                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#