BEAUMONT, Texas – Senior Rubi Villegas scored two goals to lead Lamar University to a 3-1 victory over Central Arkansas in the Southland Conference opener Friday evening at the LU Soccer Complex. The game, which was played in rainy conditions for the full 90 minutes, was LU's first game since defeating UTSA on Sept. 7^th (Big Red's last two games were canceled due to weather).
 
"It's tough when you have two weeks off without a game, but we came out with a lot of energy tonight," said LU head coach Steve Holeman. "We knew (Central) Arkansas was going to be a fantastic team and our girls were raring to go. UCA's talent showed by the statistics. They're a deep, athletic team and very dangerous. This was a big win for us."
 
The Cardinals (5-3-0/1-0-0 SLC) showed no signs of rust despite the time lapse since their last competition. Instead, the Red and White asserted itself early taking the first lead of the game less than 13 minutes into the action. Senior Rubi Villegas gave the Cards the advantage when she scored on a penalty kick, which was forced by a strong drive to the net by classmate Kelso Peskin.
 
Big Red made the lead hold until the 28^th minute when they went back on the attack. Sophomore Lucy Ashworth netted what would be the game winner 27:03 into the action on a pass from classmate Madison Ledet. Ashworth took the feed and scored from 15 yards out.
 
Villegas tacked on her second goal of the night – third of the season – after a shot was deflected off teammate Anna Loftus. Villegas reacted by burying her next attempt in the back of the net.
 
Central Arkansas (6-3-1/1-1-0 SLC) finally cracked the scoreboard but it was too little too late as Camille Bassett scored in the 73^rd minute. Despite the score, LU's defense managed to keep the Bears attack at arm's length.
 
"This was a very big win tonight," said Holeman. "UCA is going to compete for a conference championship this year, without question. They will win a lot of games and be a top seed in the tournament. They have a very potent attack. I think we got a lot better in this game tonight."
 
Sophomore Sandra Nygard went the distance in net for the Cardinals recording nine saves.
 
The Cardinals return to action Sunday to take on Northwestern State. The game against the Demons is slated to begin at 1 p.m. from the LU Soccer Complex.