HOUSTON – Lauren Lovejoy became the first goalkeeper in Lamar University history to record four straight shutouts as the Cardinals battled to a 0-0 tie with the host Houston Cougars in a non-conference women’s soccer game Sunday.

 

Lovejoy made nine saves as she extended her scoreless streak to 391 minutes, 10 seconds, surpassing the previous mark of 333:45 set by Jennifer Gibbs in the 2011 season.

 

“It’s a credit not only to Lauren, but to (assistant coach) Nathan Stockie, who has done a tremendous job working with our goalkeepers,” LU coach Steve Holeman said. “Credit also belongs to (associate head coach) Henry Zapata, who has worked with our back line. Lauren has made some big saves, but we’re also limiting the number of opportunities our opponents get.”

 

Houston (3-2-1) had the territorial edge in the first half, outshooting LU 10-6, but the Cardinals (5-2-1) held a 15-3 edge in shots in the second half.

 

“The strong wind had a lot to do with that,” Holeman said. “They had the wind at their back in the first half, but it was at our back in the second half.”

 

For the game, the Cardinals held a 23-19 advantage in shots. Houston had a 9-8 edge in shots on goal. Samantha Moreno had a team-high four shots for the Cardinals. Rachel Estopare made eight saves for the Cougars.

 

The game got a little chippy at times, with 36 fouls called during the course of the game, 26 against the Cougars.

 

“”It was a physical game,” Holeman said. “They brought out the best in us. We hadn’t faced that this season. This definitely helped us get ready for conference play.”

 

The Cardinals open their Southland Conference schedule at 7 p.m. Friday when they host Nicholls at the LU Soccer Complex. For ticket information for Friday’s game, please call 409-880-1715, or visit www.LamarCardinals.com.

 

LU CARDINALS