BEAUMONT, Texas --  Led by returning Southland Conference Player of the Year in senior Lucy Ashworth, the Lamar University women's soccer program opens the 2020 season on Friday when they travel to San Marcos, Texas to take on the Bobcats of Texas State. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas State Athletic Department has limited seating capacity to 25% to ensure social distancing measures are met. If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to Texas State's attendance policy, which can be found by clicking here.

The Cardinals return a loaded roster for the 2020 season, led by Ashworth along with 2019 SLC Newcomer of the Year redshirt senior Esther Okoronkwo. Lamar returns 75% of minutes played last year with senior Sophia Manibo leading the way.

Lamar will look to capture their third Southland title in four years in 2020 after going 16-7 overall and 10-1 in conference play during the 2019 season. The Cards captured the 2019 Southland Conference Tournament title over Northwestern State.

LAST TIME OUT: The Cardinals made their second NCAA Tournament appearance when they travelled to Los Angeles, Calif. to play UCLA. Lamar fell 4-1 in the contest with the lone goal being scored by Lucy Ashworth in the 89^th minute.

SERIES HISTORY: The Cardinals trail the Bobcats with an overall record of 0-7-1 with the last matchup coming on Aug. 19. 2016. The Bobcats defeated Lamar in the last match up, 2-0, with then-freshman goalkeeper Rachel Gries made 13 saves in her first collegiate game.

NEW YEAR, NEW TEAM: Lamar welcomes a signing class of seven that includes two true freshman and four transfers -- NAIA All-American Nicole Panis from the University of the Cumberlands, Abby Gemza from Austin Peay, Christine Kitaru from Coffeyville CC and Sarah Zimmer from St. Thomas (TX) – that look to make an immediate impact on this season.

SCOUTING TEXAS STATE: The Bobcats currently have a 0-1-1 record coming into the Friday night matchup. Texas State is led by midfielder Alana Clark, who has tallied 152 minutes played with one goal on two shots. In the pipes for the Bobcats is freshman Beth Agee, who has played all 220 minutes thus far with a save percentage of .842 with 16 saves.

UP NEXT: The Cardinals will have a month off preparations before taking on Louisiana in Lafayette, La. on October 16. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (CT)