SAN ANTONIO, Texas - It may not have been the result Midwestern State wanted Sunday afternoon at Benson Stadium.

But, under the circumstances, fighting a strong Incarnate Word side to a 0-0 draw just might have been the perfect result for the 12th-ranked Mustangs.

"It's not what we wanted, but with the circumstances I was really proud of the girls for the way they fought," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said.

The Mustangs (6-0-2) went without three starters throughout much of the contest with the Cardinals.

A high ankle sprain kept senior midfielder Brittany O'Neal out of the contest, while senior center back Jaime Pompey was sidelined due to illness.

After the match started, junior forward Brandy O'Neal suffered a concussion early in the first half and didn't return.

Then there was the matter of facing a determined Incarnate Word effort.

"They really pressured us and pushed the pace," Trimble said. "We had a tough time heat and they really took it to us. We had to play a more defensive style of soccer than we normally do."

The Cardinals, who opened the season ranked in NSCAA/adidas poll, peppered MSU to the tune of 29 shots while forcing the Mustang keeper combo of Ashley Meek and Mallory Whitworth into extensive action.

The duo was up to the task as Meek made four saves before departing at the half.

"Meek made a save on a point-blank shot which was really nice," Trimble said. "And Mallory came off of her line well and made a great one-on-one save."

Whitworth, who made nine saves, lowered her season goals against average to 0.19 and has permitted just one goal in over 465 minutes between the posts.

The Mustangs, which managed just nine shots including four on goal, notched their fourth-straight shutout and extended regular season unbeaten streak to 15-straight matches dating back to last season.

MSU improved its best start in school history to 6-0-2 after claiming the last seven games of the 2008 regular season.

Midwestern opens conference play Friday night when it plays host to Texas Woman's University at the MSU Soccer Field.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the men following with an 8 p.m. match against Incarnate Word.