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MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama sophomore midfielder Danielle Henley scored a pair of first half goals, and Jaguar forwards Rio Hardy and Charde Hannah deposited one apiece after the break, as USA knocked off LSU, 4-0, in front of a raucous crowd of 1,173 at home on Saturday to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
 
South Alabama (18-2-2) now faces No. 1 seed Florida State in Tallahassee on Friday. More information on the contest will be provided as it becomes available.
 
USA outshot LSU, 15-10, on the night, 9-2 in the first half, which South Alabama bossed from the outset thanks to Henley's 11^th-minute opener. USA defender Alyssa Mayer laid off for Henley at the top of the box, and the latter took a touch, feinted to her favored right and went back across to the far post of LSU keeper Catalina Rubiano's goal for a 1-0 Jaguar lead.
 
Henley doubled her tally in the 36^th minute when she buried Sophie Haywood's cross from the endline, as the Jaguars took a 2-0 lead 10 minutes from the break. The goals were Henley's ninth and 10^th of the season.
 
South Alabama defender Jemma Purfield gathered after her corner was turned away by LSU five minutes into the second half and found a streaking Rio Hardy at the front post, which the forward glanced home from six yards out for a 3-0 Jaguar lead. Hannah supplied the fourth and final Jaguar goal in the 66^th minute when she drove alone down LSU's left side, cut up the endline and finished just over Rubiano.
 
"First of all, we want to thank all the fans for coming out tonight," said USA head coach Graham Winkworth. "That was the most electric soccer crowd, I think in Mobile history, certainly since I've been here. To have them here was like having a 12^th player on the field. We controlled the game, we were fantastic. We started extremely well; Danielle Henley provided a brilliant finish. LSU had a few shots in the first half, but they didn't really trouble [USA goalkeeper] Sarah [Hay]. LSU came out in a different system in the second half, and once we sorted that out, we were able to do a little attacking ourselves. I can't praise the girls enough."
 
Hay made four saves on the night, as USA recorded a second straight shutout, following a 4-0 defeat of Georgia State in the 2015 Sun Belt Conference Tournament final on Nov. 8.
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).