CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Prior to Sunday's Southland Conference Soccer Tournament finale between Lamar University and McNeese, no team had achieved back-to-back conference tournament titles since its inception back in 1997. The defending conference champion Cardinals decided to change the narrative as they went out to defeat the Cowgirls 3-1 in the finals. The win marks LU's fourth title since 2017. 

Arely Alaniz etched herself as the SLC tournament MVP by being one of three Cardinals to score in the match along with Trinity Clark and Eva Karen. Cariel Ellis and Alana Clark recorded assists in the match on the goals while Nicole Panis finished with four saves in goal. 

Alaniz was one of five members on the all-tournament team along with Trinity Clark, Ellis, Hollie Massey, and Riley Wilson. 

Early in the first half, it was a save not made by Panis that kept the Cowgirls from capitalizing on their chance as Alana Clark was in direct line to block a shot on the goal line. Both teams scrapped and clawed to momentum entering the half combining for 16 shots with LU having a 10-6 edge. But it was LU who got another fortunate break. In the 28th minute, Alaniz launched a ball looking for a teammate. But after one bounce, the ball hit the post and trickled in giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.  

Clinging to a narrow lead, the Cardinals knew that one goal wouldn't be enough and they charged to create a second goal opportunity. Two critical shots were either saved or deflected off the post. But in the 60th minute, Alana Clark and Ellis would team up and the latter found Trinity Clark in the box who deflected in the net providing a two-goal advantage. 

That advantage was short-lived as a handball penalty in the box provided an opening to McNeese to get on the board, which they did on a penalty kick by Kiana Kukaua. The lead was now 2-1 and momentum was on the Cowgirls' side. 

Then, in the 64th minute, Ellis drove to the goal and drew a foul in the box providing an opportunity for the Cardinals to answer back with a penalty kick of their own. After scoring one in the PK shootout on Friday night, Karen struck one into the net reclaiming LU's two-goal lead at 3-1. From the point on, the Cardinals made sure the lead stood firm as time ran out and they celebrated their title. 

"I am so proud of this team and everything they've accomplished this season," said head coach Nathan Kogut. "It's so hard to go back-to-back in college soccer, and this group went above and beyond to get it done. We are grateful for the support of Lamar and our administration, and so honored to bring another trophy back to Beaumont. We will enjoy this moment and are excited to play in another NCAA Tournament."

Now, the Cardinals will have a watch party tomorrow at the Reaud Building in room 120 to find out their destination in the NCAA Tournament. The doors will open at 2:00 p.m. while the NCAA Tournament selection show will air at 3:00 p.m. 

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