BEAUMONT, Texas – The 10^th anniversary season of Lamar University women's soccer kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday when the Cardinals host Texas State at the LU Soccer Complex to start a four-game homestand. Following Friday's game, the Cardinals host Louisiana Tech at 7 p.m. Sunday, UTRGV at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 and TCU at 1 p.m. Aug. 28.
 
Friday's game marks the debut of Steve Holeman as head coach of the Cardinals. Holeman brings 21 years of experience as a head coach, all in the ACC to LU. Holeman has a career record of 218-164-42, and has taken six teams to the NCAA Tournament, most recently Georgia in 2014.
 
Offensively, the Cardinals are led by sophomore forward Jordan Mulnix, LU's first-ever first-team All-Southland Conference selection. Mulnix set a school record with 28 points last season while tying the school single-season mark with 12 goals.
 
The Cardinals will have a trio of captains this season, junior midfielders M.J. Eckart and Laura Parra along with redshirt freshman defender Carly Morgan.
 
LU is 2-7 all-time in season openers and 1-2 when opening the season at home. The Cardinals last won a season opener in 2014 when they claimed a 2-1 decision at San Jose State.
 
Texas State went 12-6-0 last season, including a 6-3-0 record in the Sun Belt Conference. The Bobcats are led by senior forward Lauren Prater, who had 28 points on 12 goals and four assists last season.
 
Texas State holds a 6-0-1 advantage in the all-time series with LU. Last season, the Bobcats posted a 4-2 win over the Cardinals, with Prater scoring three times in the win.
 
All fans attending Friday's game will receive a free LU schedule poster which they can get signed at a postgame autograph session. Sunday is Student Appreciation Night, with the first 150 Lamar University students receiving a free LU soccer tank top.