SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Midwestern State struck for an early goal then held on for a 1-0 Lone Star Conference victory over Incarnate Word Sunday afternoon at Benson Stadium.

"The best we can say is that we got the goal and won the game," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "Incarnate Word played really well and created some chances. They were short handed and you really have to give them credit."

The Mustangs improved to 8-3-2 on the season and took over sole possession of second place in the Lone Star Conference with a 6-3-1 mark. It was Midwestern third straight win.

And it all came courtesy of MSU's quick start as senior forward Lindsay Pritchard took a feed from the touch line from Kelsey Hill and served a one-timer past Incarnate Word goalkeeper Angelica Carrizales in the third minute for the lone tally of the contest.

"Lindsay received the ball and turned on her defender and buried it past the keeper," Trimble said.

Incarnate Word battled the Mustangs to near even terms the rest of the way owning an 11-10 edge in shots and earned six corner kicks to MSU's two.

But junior goalkeeper Mallory Whitworth made four saves for her third shutout of the season which included a save of Sydney Solomon's shot off of a crossing pass in the 87th minute to preserve the victory.

"They played the ball to the end line and Mallory had a great angle to make the save," Trimble said. "That was probably their best opportunity. She played very well and, as always, was our leader out there

Midwestern State is next action against Central Oklahoma Wednesday night at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Incarnate Word dropped to 4-6-4 on the season and to 2-6-3 in LSC play.