EDINBURG, Texas – Jordan Mulnix moved into a tie for third place on the all-time Lamar University goal-scoring list to lead the Cardinals to a 3-0 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the opening game of the UTRGV Tournament on Thursday.
 
Mulnix, who had a goal and an assist in the game, boosted her career mark to 18 goals, tied with Lisa Hance. The LU junior moved into fourth place all-time at LU with 43 career points.
 
Juli Rocha also had a goal and an assist for the Cardinals (3-2), while Hailey Loupe also scored for LU.
 
"All three goals came off the bench today," LU coach Steve Holeman said. "That's good to see. We were able to use a lot of players today. With the temperature at 100 degrees, it was important to be able to rotate players in and out."
 
The Cardinals scored all of their goals in the first half. Mulnix opened the scoring on a penalty kick with 21:55 remaining in the opening period. Rocha scored her first career goal to make it 2-0 with 8:04 remaining in the half. Mulnix and Ali Hebert were credited with the assists. Loupe closed the scoring with 4:18 showing on the clock after being set up by Rocha.
 
LU outshot the Golden Lions (0-3) 13-1 in the first half and 23-2 for the game. The Cardinals held a 7-0 advantage in shots on goal.
 
Lauren Lovejoy picked up her second shutout of the season and fourth of her career for the Cardinals. Sariah Orocu started for the Golden Lions, giving up three goals and making three saves in 45 minutes. Jordan Knorr made one saves in the second half for Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
 
"We weren't at our best, but to get a win when you're not sharp is a good thing," Holeman said. Our shot selection wasn't that great. We needed to get more shots on frame, but when you consider what we've been through, it's a positive result."
 
The Cardinals, who have been away from Beaumont since Aug. 24, will remain in Edinburg. LU faces host UTRGV at 7 p.m. Saturday. The team is scheduled to depart for Beaumont on Sunday.
 
"We're road weary right now," Holeman said. "We've already traveled more than 2,000 miles. We need a little rest."
 
Following Saturday's game, LU is scheduled to play at Texas Southern on Sept. 7 and at Houston on Sept. 10.