COMMERCE, Texas - With control of first place in the Southland Conference and history on the line, the Lamar University soccer team used lessons learned from their previous two contests and emerged victorious against Texas A&M-Commerce by the score of 2-1. Big Red returns to the win column by matching their previous season mark of 10 wins on the season. As for Nicole Panis, this was her 27th career win meaning she is now the all-time record holder for most wins by a goalkeeper.

Panis would face 16 shots, allow one goal, and record six saves for the night. She broke the record that had been previously held by Lauren Lovejoy (2014-17).

"It's even sweeter when you realize it gives Nicole the school record for wins," said head coach Nathan Kogut. "She's one of the top keepers in the country and we are so glad she is with us, but she would also be the first to tell you that she couldn't do it alone."

Offensively, it was Carriel Ellis who stepped up big for LU scoring twice in the win. Both goals came on assists from Christine Kitaru. Meg Sheppard and Laura Linares were also credited with an assist on the goals as well. In a wild game that saw both teams combine for 34 shots, the Cardinals managed to outshoot the Lions 18-16.

While LU got the first shot go the game, it would be the Lions who scored just four minutes in for an early 1-0 lead. Panis them had to withstand a flurry of chances from AMC before the Cardinals would take possession to their side. Once they did so, LU would receive a boost from Ellis, who brought Big Red in front with two straight goals in a span of five minutes. The Cardinals them turned up the pressure finishing the half outshooting AMC 12-9.

For 45 grueling minutes in the second half, LU was determined to avoid a second straight game allowing a late equalizer and they would keep the Lions off course despite being outshot 7-6. The Cardinals did have a few chances to add insurance goals but were met by AMC keeper Jen Peters who kept her team in the game. With under a minute to go, the Lions would fire a shot hoping to tie the game. Panis would deny that chance and the Cardinals held on for the victory.

"This was a great bounce back win," said Coach Kogut. "To go on the road and go down 1-0 early to a tough team makes this one a little more enjoyable. We had to battle back, and I'm happy to see the girls respond almost immediately to falling behind."

At 10-1-2 overall and 7-1-1 in the conference, the Cardinals will resume their schedule next Friday as they will travel to Houston to take on the Huskies at 7:00 PM.

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