Hickory, N.C.- In a matchup of two NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago, the Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Soccer Team opened the 2023 season with a 1-1 tie against visiting Lee.
Elin Hansson scored the lone goal for the Bears who battled back from an early 1-0 deficit to open the season with a draw.
Kristin Oliver made five saves in her first collegiate start in goal for LR.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 1, Lee 1
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (0-0-1) , Lee (0-0-1)
Location: Hickory, N.C. I Soccer Field at Moretz Athletic Sports Campus
STATS OF THE MATCH:
- Lee's Avery Sides connected on the first goal of the game in the 12th minute as Sides scored from a corner kick just inside the far goalpost beating a diving Oliver to give the Lady Flames the early 1-0 lead.
- LR then got the equalizer in the 31st minute as the Bears scored on their corner kick opportunity as Ria Acton delivered a strike that Hansson headed inside the line to tie it at one.
- Neither team could find the game winning goal in the second half but Lee did have their chances with ten second half shots while the Bears had just five.
- Both goal keepers made five saves apiece but the Bears only had one shot on goal in the final 45 minutes.
- Lady Flames held a 9-4 advantage on corner kicks as both teams did convert one of their opportunity as mentioned.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- This is the first-ever meeting between these programs.
- Both teams are coming off seasons with an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bears made it to the second round before losing to Columbus State 1-0 while Lee fell to West Florida in the first round last fall.
- This is the second straight season the Bears opened with a tie. The Bears opened the 2022 season with a 2-2 tie against Lees McRae. Lees McRae will be the Bears next home opponent on Wednesday September 7th.
- Hansson's goal was her 11th career goal for the sophomore.
UP NEXT: The Bears will travel to face Mount Olive on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.
