Box Score SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer struggled to get on the scoreboard, as the Cardinals opened Southland Conference play with a 2-0 loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Friday evening from Benson Stadium.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The teams went back and forth until the 42^nd minute, when the momentum turned for the Islanders (3-2-1 overall, 1-0-0 SLC).

Both UIW (1-4-0, 0-1-0) goalkeeper, Sydney Huntsinger, and Islander forward, Katie Lawrence, ran towards a loose ball. Huntsinger slid to stop the ball and inadvertently collided with Lawrence inside the box. Both players were shaken up on the play and not only did Huntsinger have to leave the game, but she was issued a yellow card. Lawrence scored on the ensuing penalty kick on a cold Katrina Buck for a 1-0 visitor lead.

Shots were tied at four apiece in the first half, while UIW took the lone corner kick.

TAMUCC, fresh off a late lead entering halftime, took advantage and spent the majority of the second half in the Cardinals' end. Addison Urbanus increased the Islander lead to 2-0, as Emily Keoughan sent a cross pass into the box for Urbanus.

The Cardinals' best chance of the night came late, as Jade Piper split several Islanders and reached deep in TAMUCC territory. She sent a great pass to Isabella Beletic, but her shot went just wide. Minutes later, Beletic had another opportunity, but her header attempt was saved by Abbie Flax.

LEADERS

Brooke Hanson led the Cardinals with four shots and two shots on goal. Buck (1-1-0) suffered the loss in goal with two goals allowed and three saves in 48:46. Huntsinger stopped two shots in 41:14.

All three of Lawrence's shots hit the target, as she led all players in that category. Flax (2-2-1) earned the win between the pipes with three saves.

UP NEXT

UIW hits the road for a non-conference game at UT-Rio Grande Valley on Sunday at 1 p.m.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals return to Southland Conference play at Nicholls on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.