CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Jacksonville State wrapped up the 2017 season with a tough 1-0 loss on Sunday to Southeast Missouri at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The Gamecocks needed a win or a draw, coupled with a draw between Austin Peay and Morehead State to secure the final spot in the 2017 Ohio Valley Conference Soccer Championship but the setback to SEMO and APSU's win over MSU handed the Govs the final spot in the eight-team field.  Jax State concluded the season 6-10-2 overall and 3-7 in the OVC.  The Redhawks improved to 7-7-3 on the season and 4-3-3 in the conference and will be among the eight teams in the OVC postseason.

After a scoreless 56 minutes of action, SEMO's Esmie Gonzales broke the deadlock with the eventual game-winning goal.  Gonzales, the reigning OVC Offensive Player of the Week, headed the ball in to the back of the net after Lexi Grote dribbled down the sideline before sending it toward the goal for Gonzales.  It was Gonzales' fifth goal in the last three matches and seventh of the season.  SEMO turned in 16 total shots on the soggy afternon.

Jax State threatened after falling behind but could not post the equalizing goal.  The Gamecocks finished with 11 total shots, led by junior Claire Petersen's five attempts, a new season high for the Hermon, Maine native.  Redshirt sophomore Danelle Lindo was the only other Gamecock with multiple opportunities.

Senior goalkeeper Caroline Robinson established herself as one of the top keepers that has come through the program though out her four seasons in Jacksonville.  Robinson etched her named atop JSU's all-time career saves list with her six saves in the regular season finale.  The Hendersonville, Tennessee stopper entered the contest two saves shy of fore Gamecock Adriana Finelli's career mark of 306 saves.  Finelli's mark has stood since she wrapped up her career 2001.  Robinson closed out her time in goal with 311 after recording x saves at SEMO.  She moved to the top spot with her second save of the opening half.  Robinson also exits the program with 15.5 career shutouts, which ranks her third behind Finelli and Amanda Stephens (2002-05).



JSU's only other senior, Kayla Thompson, also concluded her time on the pitch with the Gamecocks.  The forward from Brandon, Mississippi played in 68 career matches and recorded nine goals and 11 assists in her four-year span.  In 2017, Thompson finished with four goals and three assists.  Her time in athletic competition is not yet complete as she will turn her attention to track and field in the spring.