Mars Hill, N.C.-- Oliver Gardner's first career goal in the 81st minute gave the Bears the 1-0 win at Mars Hill on Wednesday night. This was the Bears' sixth win in their last seven games. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final:  Lenoir-Rhyne 1, Mars Hill 0
Records:  Lenoir-Rhyne (7-3-0, 5-2-0 SAC), Mars Hill (6-5-1, 3-4 SAC)
Location: Belk Field I Mars Hill, N.C.

STATS OF THE MATCH:

• The first half went scoreless as the teams combined for just five shots. 
• Both teams had numerous chances that just missed in the second half but it was a free kick in the 81st minute for the Bears that was the difference. After the kick, Xavi Moya's shot was blocked and Gardner took the rebound and found the back of the net for his first career goal. 
• This was the second career shutout for LR goalkeeper Camden Coleman who had two saves on the night. 
• Bears out shot the Lions 15-9 on the evening including 12-7 in the second half with seven shots on goal in the half. Lions keeper Brennan Whalen made six saves. 
• Each team had three corners kicks on the evening. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Tonight's game was the 40th career matchup against the Lions. 
• With the win the Bears are now 20-17-3 against Mars Hill all-time including winners of five of the last six. 
• Both teams came into action tonight in the top three with Limestone in goals per game in the SAC. Mars Hill averages 2.36 goals per game while the Bears were just slightly behind them at 2.33 but the teams combined for just one goal tonight. 
• Bears are still regionally ranked but did drop two spots to sixth in this week's NCAA DII United Soccer Coaches Southeast Regional Poll.
• Gardner's goal was just his 11th career shot for the junior. 
• Bears move to 3-0 on the road in SAC play. 

UP NEXT: Bears have a rare Sunday afternoon contest at Tusculum. Kick-off is schedule for 4:30 P.M.