BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University women’s soccer team plays host to a pair of Southland Conference opponents this weekend, welcoming defending champion Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m. Friday and conference newcomer Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Lamar (3-5-1 overall, 0-1-1 Southland) comes into the weekend after battling to a scoreless tie at Northwestern State on Tuesday, a contest that Lamar coach Orlando Cervantes called “his team’s best effort of the season.”

Bailey Fontenot made nine saves in the tie against the Lady Demons, posting her second shutout of the season and eighth of her career.

Cervantes hopes his offense can regain its scoring touch this weekend. The Cardinals have been held scoreless for the last 286:50. Lamar’s last goal was Kimmy Albeno’s marker at the 7:39 of the first half in a 2-1 double-overtime loss to UMass on Sept. 15.

“We have to be able to finish our chances. That’s something we’ve worked on in practice,” Cervantes said. “We’re getting the opportunities, but we’re not able to capitalize.”

Albeno leads Lamar in scoring with 11 points on five foals and one assist. Jennifer Yacuta (4-1-9) is second on the team in scoring.

Friday’s game against SFA (6-2-1, 1-1-0) will be a rematch of last season’s Southland Conference championship game, a 2-1 Ladyjacks’ victory over Lamar.

Stephen F. Austin claimed a 2-0 win over visiting Northwestern State on Sunday after dropping a 2-1 home decision to Oral Roberts on Friday. Zuri Prince leads SFA in scoring with seven points on three goals and one assist. Lacey Lee (5-1-0, 0.53) and Morgan Glick (1-1-1, 0.69) have both been strong in goal for the Ladyjacks.

SFA leads the overall series 7-0-0.

“SFA is a good team,” Cervantes said. “We have to limit our mistakes and make the most of our chances.”

Houston Baptist (1-6-1, 0-1-0) fell to host Abilene Christian by a 1-0 count in its conference opener on Sunday. The Huskies have been strong defensively; allowing just eight goals, but have only scored three. Rebekah Tovar (2-0-4) leads HBU in scoring. Stephanie Casteleton (1-4-1, 0.89) has seen the bulk of work in goal.

Sunday’s game is Girl Scouts Day, with all Girl Scouts receiving free admission if they wear their uniform to the game. Tickets are available at the Montagne Center ticket office during regular business hours, online at www.LamarCardinals.com, or by calling (409) 880-1715. Tickets are available at the Lamar Soccer Complex one hour before kickoff.

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