ABILENE, Texas - Lamar University's women's soccer team appeared to be facing a sense of deja vu on Friday in the Western Athletic Conference tournament semifinals. After Grand Canyon seized the momentum in the opening half, LU regained control in the second. But that would be all they could afford as their season ends with a 2-1 loss to Grand Canyon University.
 
Once again, LU had to endure another offensive barrage of shots by the opposition, who posted 22 for the match. Nicole Panis would have 10 saves on the day in goal for the Cardinals. Laura Linares would have LU's only goal for the match with Christine Kitaru and Juana Plata each recording an assist. Linares' shot was only one of five on goal for the team.
 
GCU began the match by putting up 11 shots without a goal. On the 12th shot, the Lopes seized the lead. The Cards would be held without a shot in the first half but would make the most of their first shot of the game in the 52nd minute as Linares netted the equalizer with Kitaru and Plata combining on the assist. Unfortunately,  GCU would get the winner in the 79th minute and held on despite a last ditch effort by LU to tie the match.

"I'm really proud of this team and their effort," said head coach Steve Holeman. "We faced one of the most dangerous attacks in the country today and kept the game close until the final whistle.  This team faced a lot of adversity all season without ever having our team at full health. So to finish in the top 4 in our first season of a really strong conference is something to be proud of.  I'm excited about the future of this team as we are only going to get better."
 
LU's inaugural season in the WAC ends at 10-8-2 overall.
 

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