San Marcos, Texas –The Texas State soccer team kicked off the 2013 season in true fashion Friday evening with a 3-1 defeat over the Northwestern State Lady Demons in Natchitoches, La. Friday's victory marked the third consecutive season opener victory for the Bobcats and the fifth time in the last six seasons.

Texas State got on the board early in the contest after senior Gabbi Cottee connected with the back of the net. Cottee's goal was rebounded off of Northwestern State goalkeeper Brooke Bourbonais after Tori Hale attempted to score just seconds prior.

Not even 10 minutes passed before the Bobcats found themselves tied back with the Lady Demons. At the 14:23 mark, Northwestern State's Yanci Johnson connected on a pass from Johanna Sigvardsson to tie up the contest at one a piece.

Just over 30 seconds after Northwestern State's goal to tie up the game, Texas State's Lynsey Curry wrestled the lead back from the Lady Demons as she chipped it in off of a Hale corner kick.

The final 30 minutes of the half remained scoreless between the two squads. Texas State ended the first half outshooting the Lady Demons 7-3 with four of those shots being on goal.

With less than two minutes remaining in the game, the Bobcats secured the lead with a goal by freshman Lauren Prater. For the second time in the game, the goal was off of a rebounded shot just a few seconds before.

Natalie Gardini recorded four saves in the victory as she defended the Bobcat goal for all 90 minutes. Curry and Prater each led the team with three shots.

Coach Conner named the three most outstanding players of the game following the victory.

Offensive – Lynsey Curry

Defensive – Ali Jones

Game MVP – Natalie Gardini

Texas State will complete its two-game road trip against rival Stephen F. Austin on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff in Nacogdoches, Texas is scheduled for 1 p.m.