The Sam Houston State Bearkats soccer program got off to the right start on Friday, downing Louisiana-Lafayette, 1-0 at the Ragin’ Cajuns Soccer Complex, in the process, lifting eighth-year head coach Tom Brown to his 200^th career victory.

“I appreciate the kind thoughts from Bearkat Nation,” Brown said. “A lot of players and staff have worked hard to help me reach this milestone. I really enjoy getting up each day and using soccer to work with young people and I hope that I positively impact their life in some way.”

Sophomore midfielder Caitlin Schwartz equaled her goal total from the entire 2014 season with a sliding shot at the top of the box in the 56^th minute, breaking the stalemate, helped by a nice delivery from junior midfielder Megan Bennett.

“We’re very happy to get the win tonight,” Brown said. “Louisiana-Lafayette played very hard and pressed us all over the field. We feel that we did not play very well but I think that says a lot that we were able to earn a win.”

The Bearkats (1-0) were outshot 17-8 by the Ragin’ Cajuns (0-1), a complete 180 from last year’s opener between the two clubs that featured Sam Houston out-firing Louisiana-Lafayette, 28-5 but falling 1-0.

In the box, Sam Houston senior goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton recorded her 18^th career shutout, notching five saves, including a big one late to secure the win.

The Bearkats have won nine of their last 12 games dating to the squad’s 4-1 victory against Incarnate Word on Sept. 21 last season.

Sam Houston returns to action on Sunday with a 7 p.m. visit to UTSA.