CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Southeast Missouri soccer team (4-3-1) defeated Arkansas State (2-7) Friday, 1-0. 

Jennifer Antonacci's 51st minute goal was enough to be the difference maker in the match to down the Red Wolves, 1-0.

"I complimented our program for how our defensive unit worked together tonight; I feel that was a big improvement in our game," said head coach Heather Nelson. "I thought Paige Blankenheim had the game of her career tonight so I hope she keeps going up from here."

In their nine all-time meetings, Southeast remains unbeaten against Arkansas State and has never allowed a goal to them. 

The Redhawks and Red Wolves played to a scoreless draw in the first half of play. The Rehawks got five shots off in the half and had four corner kick opportunities. Each team had four fouls in the first 45 minutes of play. 

At the beginning of the second half, Southeast made a change in goal. Alyssa Sickler, who played the entire first half, was replaced by Kindra Lierz. 

The game-winning goal came in the 51st minute from Antonacci. Blankenheim slotted Antonacci in the box who put it in for her second goal of the season. 

"I think the ball Paige slotted Jenny was a perfectly timed run and I am very proud of how Jenny stayed calm in the moment. It was a very classy goal from Jenny," Nelson added. 

Arkansas State stepped up the offense in the second half, putting up seven shots, but could only manage to put one on goal which came in the 74th minute. 

Southeast finished the match outshooting A-State, 14-9, and had two more corner kick opportunities, 6-4. Southeast was called for 10 fouls while the Red Wolves had five. 

"I think Coach [Brian] Dooley has done a great job with his team and they are going to be a very good team to play in years to come."

Natasha Minor was Southeast's shots leader with four in the match. Abby Klintworth, Jenna Collingridge, and Antonacci each had two. 

Katherine Padgett and Tayler Carter each had three shots for the Red Wolves. 

Sickler and Lierz combined for the shutout. Lierz (3-3-1) picked up the win. Lierz recorded the only save of the game for the Redhawks. 

Kelsey Ponder (1-5) suffered the loss. Ponder played all 90 minutes, allowed one goal, and recorded four saves. 

The evening also featured a special presentation of the Meghan Herndon Memorial Scholarship. This year, the scholarship was presented to Ashley Brendel and Minor. The Herndon family was on hand for the presentation as well as donated $7,500 to the endowed scholarship. 

"A moment like that really tugs at our heartstrings because while it is a very difficult moment, it's also a wonderful opportunity for us to honor Meg. The scholarship is very heartwarming because she has a legacy that lives on and on. We have some great women living up to her mantra and it's great to see them rewarded for their hard work."

The Redhawks return to the pitch on Sunday with a road game at Union University. It will be the final match before Ohio Valley Conference play begins next week.