Lamar sports information

SAN ANTONIO – Lamar sophomore Lucy Ashworth netted a goal with 48 seconds remaining to hand Big Red a thrilling victory over Incarnate Word on Friday evening in San Antonio.

The goal – Ashworth’s fifth of the season – gave the Cardinals a 1-0 victory to improve to 9-3-2 (.714) overall and 5-0-2 in Southland Conference play.

“UIW is better than their record would indicate,” said LU head coach Steve Holeman. “They made it difficult for us to get many good opportunities, but we had some quality chances that got away from us. In the first half, I didn’t feel like we were very composed in the final third.”

It was a night for defense as the two teams combined for a total of 23 shots. The Red and White finished the night with 11, but eight of their attempts were on goal (UIW only had five shots on goal). San Antonio’s version of the Cardinals finished the game with seven more corner kicks – one more than LU – but were called for twice as many fouls, 10-5.

Freshman Sandra Nygard in net and went the distance. She stared down all 12 shots, and of the five that got through Big Red’s defense Nygard easily deflected them away. UIW’s Sydney Huntsinger also played all 90 minutes recording six saves but surrendered the lone goal.

The gamewinner came from Ashworth on a nice feed from Madison Ledet (of Nederland) 89:12 into the action. The goal also came less than 30 seconds after the Cards turned away their hosts on the other end of the field.

“Obviously, the most important thing is to get the win whether it be in overtime or regulation,” said Holeman. “But to have Lucy come through like that in regulation was a double bonus. That goal saved our ladies extra wear and tear as we now have a short turnaround to get ready for Sunday.”

UIW had recorded the game’s last three shots – prior to the gamewinner – including Nygard’s save of a Jade Piper shot. The Cardinals wasted no time moving the ball to the other end of the field to set up for one final attempt which would prove to be the difference.

The victory keeps the Cardinals’ drive for a second straight regular-season title alive. Houston Baptist has 19 points, UCA 18 and Lamar 17 after Friday (three points for win, one for tie).

The Cardinals will now travel to Abilene for a Sunday showdown against Abilene Christian. The game against the Wildcats will begin at 1 p.m.