Hickory, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne University Women's Soccer Team (1-0) opened the season with a 1-0 victory over nationally-ranked Limestone (0-1) Thursday afternoon at the Moretz Sports - Athletic Complex.  The Saints entered the match ranked No. 21 in NCAA Division II.

Lenoir-Rhyne outshot its opponent at home, 23-9, and 13 of the Bears' 23 shot attempts were on goal for a 56.5 percentage.

The only goal of the match came on the Bears' 11th corner kick of the night.  Junior midfielder Taylor Rios (Vale, N.C.) perfectly headed in a corner kick from junior midfielder Abbie Brown (Leeds, ENGLAND).  Brown led all participants with 10 shots attempted, six were on goal and her only assist was for the game-winner.

Defeating a top-25 opponent in their first game on the pitch is the right place to start for the Bears.

The Saints fell at the end despite an outstanding effort by their goalkeeper Veronica Smeltzer (Glendora, Calif.), who recorded 12 saves on the afternoon. 

Senior Alayna Morris (Westminster, Md.) for Lenoir-Rhyne saved a few well-placed shots as well and finished with a total of seven for the match to earn the victory in goal.

Lenoir-Rhyne hits the road to face USC Aiken in Aiken, S.C., on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Limestone goes up against UNC Pembroke on Sunday at 5:00 p.m., as the Saints remain away from home.

Keep up with the Bears on the pitch all season by going to lrbears.com and following @BearsSports on twitter and Instagram.