Hickory, N.C.-- The Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Soccer Team got an first half goal from Kara Gavaghan but the visiting UNC-Pembroke Braves got two second half goals from Mercy Bell to came away with a key Southeast regional win 2-1 on Wednesday evening. This was a battle of two NCAA Tournaments teams from a year ago. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: UNC-Pembroke 2,  Lenoir-Rhyne 1
Records: UNC-Pembroke (5-1), Lenoir-Rhyne (2-2-1)
Location: Hickory, N.C. I Moretz Sports Athletic Campus

STATS OF THE MATCH:

• The Bears got on the board in the 31st minute as Gavaghan scored her first goal of the year to gave the Bears a 1-0 lead.
• S.A. Phillips made five of her six saves in the first half to came the Braves off the scoreboard.
• However Mercy Bell found the back of the net twice in the second half. Bell found the equlizaer in the 56th minute after a beautiful long pass from Ashliegh Harris to set up Bell. 
• Bell than got the game winner in the 78th minute. Bell first shot was stopped by Phillips but Bell got the rebound and tapped in the game-winner.
• Bears had a chance to tie in the final minute but Ria Acton's free kick sailed just over the crossbar as the Braves hold on for the key regional win. 
• The Braves out shot the Bears 14-13 while the Bears held 8-7 advantage on corner kicks. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• This was a battle of two NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago. The Braves lost to Flager in the first round and the Bears would reached the final four. 
• The first goal by the Braves snapped a 230 minutes scoreless streak. The Bears have not allowed a goal since the Florida Tech game back on September 2nd.
• Gavaghan goal was her 10th career goal. The Junior had five last year and four her freshman campaign. 

UP NEXT: The Bears will host Limestone Saturday at 5 P.M.