EDINBURG, Texas – Marie Lund scored early in the first half and goalkeeper Lauren Lovejoy and the Lamar University defense made it stand up in a 1-0 victory over the host UTRGV Vaqueros to wrap up the UTRGV Tournament on Saturday.

 

Lund scored on a header just 10:22 into the game, converting a corner kick from Samantha Moreno. It was Lund’s second goal of her career and first this season. It was also her first-ever game-winning goal.

 

That was enough for the Cardinals (4-2), who went 2-0 at the tournament. LU was a 3-0 winner over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday. The Cardinals and Stetson both went 2-0 at the event, while UTRGV and Arkansas-Pine Bluff were 0-2.

 

“We played tough and with a lot of intensity,” LU coach Steve Holeman said. “We had some good chances early in the game, and were able to capitalize. After that, our defense played well.”

 

Lovejoy made three saves for her third shutout of the season and fifth of her career. She was aided by a solid effort from the LU defense, which limited the Vaqueros (3-2) to five shots, with three shots on goal. For the game, the Cardinals had an 11-5 advantage in total shots, and a 5-3 edge in shots on goal.

 

Lovejoy has played every second in goal this season for the Cardinals, posting a 1.00 goals-against average and save percentage of .786.

 

“Lauren made some big-time saves,” Holeman said. “She has played really well for us this year.”

 

The game was a chippy affair, with both teams collecting 12 fouls. There were four yellow cards issued on the evening, with three being assessed to the Vaqueros.

 

The Cardinals are scheduled to depart for home on Sunday, ending a 10-night road trip that was extended because of Hurricane Harvey. The Cardinals went 2-2 on their trek that saw them log more than 2,000 miles by bus.

 

“The girls are completely exhausted,” Holeman said. “But they are in great spirits. It was a tremendous way to end such a long road trip.”

 

LU is scheduled to play a pair of road games in Houston in the upcoming week, taking on Texas Southern on Sept. 7 and at Houston on Sept. 10.

 

The Cardinals’ next home game is 7 p.m. Sept. 15, when they host Nicholls in the Southland Conference opener for both squads. For tickets for all LU home games, call 409-880-1715, or visit www.LamarCardinals.com.

 

LU CARDINALS