BOX SCORE | SEASON STATS | Petrucelli's Postgame Comments

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU clinched a No. 5 regular-season finish in the American Athletic Conference and a spot in the conference tournament with a 3-2 win over Houston at Westcott Field on Thursday.

Despite a slow start in the first half, the Mustangs (11-6-1, 4-5-0) dominated during the second 45 minutes, scoring all three of their goals and holding possession to outshoot the Cougars (6-13-0, 3-6-0) 15 to 12 throughout the match.

SMU held a slim one-shot lead during the first half, but Houston was able to strike first and gain a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

The equalizer came in the 57^th minute when freshman Wayny Balata rocketed the ball past the Houston goalkeeper after a shot from Jewel Boland was deflected, scoring her second goal of the season.

SMU continued with the momentum, trying to break the tie. After missing a penalty kick in the 66^th minute, Allie Thornton got another opportunity two minutes later when Houston was called for a hand ball in the box. Thornton converted her third penalty kick of the season to put the Mustangs ahead, 2-1.

The Mustangs added an insurance goal to lead 3-1 in the 84^th minute when Brooke Golik headed the ball into the lower left-hand corner of the net off of a corner kick from Celiana Torres. The goal was the sophomore's first at SMU.

Houston rallied to add one more goal in the 88^th minute, but it wasn't enough to overtake SMU, who took home the final regular-season win.

Tatum Sutherland tallied six saves throughout the match, including a crucial diving save near the beginning of the second half. The Mustang defense helped keep the Cougars to under 45% of total possession.

Up next, SMU is headed to Cincinnati for the first round of the AAC Tournament and will play on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 12 p.m. CT. The Mustangs will appear in the conference tournament for the fourth season in a row and seventh time since head coach Chris Petrucelli joined the program.