LAKE CHARLES, La. -- The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team remains atop the Southland Conference following a 2-0 shutout road win against McNeese on Friday night. The win not only keeps the Cardinals tied for first (with Lamar) in SLC play, but it also clinches UIW's first Southland Conference Tournament appearance.
 
NOTABLES

• Brooke Hanson scored her fourth goal of the season with Friday night's game-opening goal.
• Hannah Walsh's additional goal on the night was her first as a Cardinal.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Cardinals came out hard off the first touch to start the game, determined to set the tone for the match with early offense.
 
Set the tone the Cardinals did, initiating the charge with the game-opening goal. Hanson took a shot on target, meeting the top right corner of the net following a nudge from the McNeese keeper's mitt to put UIW up, 1-0.
 
Walsh increased UIW's lead moments later off a cross from Brooke Hanson. Walsh fired off a shot into an opening in the net for the second goal of the contest. UIW went ahead, 2-0, as the first period concluded.
 
Cailey Croson remained clutch in goal, laying out to punch away threats made by the Cowgirl offense and halting scoring opportunities with four major saves on the match. The defensive line was on point throughout the match and halted any and all advances from the Cowgirls' offensive line.
 
UIW controlled the pace of the second half and held McNeese scoreless, securing the Cardinals' 2-0 shutout win on the road.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH WRIGHT-CATES
"I'm extremely proud of the girls -- they've been working hard and staying focused. Definitely an exciting time and one where they have made program history! Now we have to keep it moving forward."
 
UP NEXT

The Cardinals return to Texas to take on the Lamar Cardinals, who share the top spot in SLC play, on Sunday. The game in Beaumont is set for 1 p.m. CT.


FOLLOW ALONG

For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.

Follow the team on Twitter @UIWWomensSoccer and on Instagram @uiwwsoccer.