CHICAGO – Lamar University senior Christine Kitaru scored two goals and assisted on a third to lead the Cardinals to a 3-1 victory at Chicago State Sunday afternoon. The victory will go down as Big Red's first win in Western Athletic Conference play as they improve to 4-5-1 on the season and 1-0-1 in conference play.
 
It was another dominating performance for the Cardinals defense. LU outshot the Cougars, 20-10, including a 13-3 advantage in shots on goal. Junior goalkeeper Nicole Panis stopped all but one of the attempts on goal.
 
A physical contest from the outset, the two teams combined for 19 fouls and four yellow cards. Both squads awarded five corner kicks.
 
"I'm excited for the team to get their first win in the WAC," said LU head coach Steve Holeman. "After a tough game on Friday and a long travel day yesterday, we knew it wouldn't come easy. I thought we did a nice job creating a lot of good scoring chances while limiting theirs. After three weeks on the road we are all looking forward to playing at home."

After playing 110 minutes of scoreless soccer in a 0-0 tie Friday evening, the Cardinals wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in their second WAC contest in program history. Senior Christine Kitaru took a pass from Carina Leal and buried the ball in the back of the net in the game's 22^nd minute. Just over two minutes later the Cardinals added to their lead, and this time it was Kitaru getting the assist on a pass to Hollie Massey for the score.
 
The quick-strike goal proved to be key as Chicago State answered with their first goal of the game with less than 20 seconds remaining in the half, as the Cardinals led 2-1 at intermission.
 
The Cardinals' advantage remained one goal until the 67^th minute when Massey repaid the favor by sending a strong pass to Kitaru which she scored for her second goal of the afternoon.
 
The game at CSU marked the end of a tough road stretch for Big Red – seven of their last eight games away from the Golden Triangle – as the Cardinals will now be home for three straight. LU will kick off the three-game homestand Thursday against Stephen F. Austin. The contest will kick off at 7 p.m. from the LU Soccer Complex.