NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Lamar University women's soccer team opened Southland Conference play on Sunday night with a familiar foe, dropping a 3-0 decision to conference newcomer SFA. Two first-half goals doomed the Cardinals on the road in what was SFA's first official SLC match since returning to the conference in July.

SFA outshot LU, 16-12, with Cena Carlson, Trinity Clark, Kamryn Harvey, and Isela Ramirez each posting two shots. Arely Alaniz, Annika Kassenbrock, Caragan Childs, and Anneliese Switzer recorded the other four shots while goalkeeper Maddie Rich picked up three saves. Each side fired six shots on goal while the Ladyjacks had a 3-1 corner kick advantage.

After seven scoreless minutes in which both teams had one shot, the Ladyjacks struck first in the eighth minute. The Cardinals had four chances to tie in the half, including two in a span of 10 seconds. SFA increased its lead to two goals in the 34th minute and outshot LU 8-6 as the teams went into the break.

Determined to rally back in the second half, the Cardinals had three early chances to score in the first five minutes, but couldn't capitalize. As the match progressed, LU's offensive chances were held to a standstill, and the Ladyjacks would keep possession on LU's side of the field. SFA added its third goal of the match in the 74th minute and kept the Cardinals off the scoresheet for the final 16 minutes.

LU will return home Thursday for its second conference match against UT Rio Grande Valley. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.