BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University freshman goalkeeper Rachel Gries made 13 saves in her first-ever collegiate game, but it wasn't enough for the Cardinals as Texas State spoiled Steve Holeman's debut as LU coach with a 2-0 victory over the host Cardinals at the LU Soccer Complex on Friday night.
 
Gries held Texas State at bay until Texas State's Clarissa Leon scored from close range with 20:39 remaining in regulation. Kassi Hormuth scored an insurance goal a little more than seven minutes later as the Bobcats improved to 7-0-1 all-time against the Cardinals.
 
"I thought Rachel made some big saves for us tonight," Holeman said. "She showed a lot of composure for a freshman playing in her first game."
 
Texas State outshot LU 25-6 for the evening, and held a 15-2 advantage in shots on goal.
 
"We have to be a little better on our attack. We lost our composure at times," Holeman said. "I did see some good things from our defense, which is something we have been working on. Last year, Texas State scored four goals against us, so we cut that in half tonight."
 
Angelica Hernandez had two of LU's six shots. Cassie Marciante and Jennifer Yacuta each had a shot on goal for the Cardinals.
 
LU returns home to host Louisiana Tech at 7 p.m. Sunday on Student Appreciation Night. The first 150 LU students will receive a free Lamar University soccer tank top.
 
"It's good that we're getting right back into it again on Sunday," Holeman said. "We're going to put this game behind us and move forward.