BEAUMONT, Texas – M.J. Eckart's goal in the second half propelled the Lamar University Cardinals to a 1-0 victory over visiting Incarnate Word on Friday, a victory, that according to the Southland Conference office, clinched a berth in next month's conference tournament.
 
Eckart scored 8:35 into the second half as she took a cross from Madison Ledet and headed it past UIW goalkeeper Sydney Huntsinger for her fourth goal of the season.
 
"That was a beautiful chip pass from Madison, and M.J. just buried it," LU coach Steve Holeman said. "M.J. is one of the most accurate players on headers that I have ever seen."
 
That was more than enough for the Cardinals (11-3-0 overall, 6-1-0 Southland), who turned in one of their most dominating performances of the season on a night when they tied the school record for wins and conference wins. LU held Incarnate Word to just four shots overall and one shot on goal as LU goalkeeper Lauren Lovejoy tied a school record with her sixth shutout of the season.
 
"We needed a shutout tonight," Holeman said. "We needed to have a solid game defensively, and that's what we got."
 
LU outshot Incarnate Word 23-4 for the game. Goalkeeper Sydney Huntsinger made 13 saves for UIW (2-10-0, 1-6-0). Two years ago, Huntsinger set a UIW record when she made 18 saves in a 1-1 tie against LU at the LU Soccer Complex.
 
"Their keeper had a good game, but we put some shots right at her, and we misfired on several others," Holeman said. "We need to have better shot selection and do a better job in the offensive third of the field."
 
Still, Holeman wasn't complaining too much as LU qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2012.
 
"At the end of the day, we had one more goal than they did, and that's what matters," Holeman said. "Any conference win is a good win."
 
The Cardinals now get ready to host Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Wildcats (6-8-0, 4-3-0) dropped a 3-0 decision at McNeese on Friday, as the Cowgirls remained tied with LU at the top of the Southland Conference standings.
 
"We know it's going to be a tough game on Sunday," Holeman said. "It's going to be 90 degrees at kickoff. Controlling the ball is going to be important. That is something Abilene Christian is good at."
 
Sunday is Take a Kid to the Game Day, with fans receiving one free youth ticket for every adult ticket purchased. For tickets for Sunday's game, CLICK HERE. LU students receive free admission with their Cardinal One card, while Junior Cardinal Club members receive free admission when they present their membership badge at the LU Soccer Complex ticket window. The ticket window will open at noon Sunday.