HICKORY, NC -- The Bears enacted revenge on the Florida Tech in their home opener on Tuesday, taking down the Panthers 3-2. This game was a rematch of last year's NCAA Quarterfinal that saw Florida Tech take down LR 5-4.
The Bears jumped on the Panthers early, with
Evan O'Leary scored in the first minute of the game. The Bears added a penalty kick by
Emerson Talley to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Following a pair of goals from the Panthers to tie the game,
Alice Bjornsson gave the Bears the victory with her game-winning goal in the 75th minute.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #13 Lenoir-Rhyne 3, #24 Florida Tech 2
Records: #13 Lenoir-Rhyne (2-0-2), #24 Florida Tech (2-1-0)
Location: Moretz Sports Athletic Complex I Hickory, N.C.
STATS OF THE MATCH:
- Kara Gavaghan took the ball down the sideline right after kickoff and delivered a beautiful cross to O'Leary to give the Bears an opening minute goal.
- In the 38th minute, The Panthers fouled the Bears in the box and Talley converted the penalty kick to give the Bears a 2-0 lead.
- The Panthers made some adjustments in the second half, tying the game up with two Lauryn Wood goals.
- With the game tied and less then fifteen minutes remaining, Bjornsson got space right outside the box and drilled the ball to back far corner to give the Bears the 3-2 win.
- Florida Tech out shot the Bears 15-9 and had 4-3 advantage on corner kicks.
- Riley Miller made a season high six saves in goal, all in the first half.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- These teams have met in the Elite 8 twice in the last three years, Florida Tech won 5-4 last year and the Bears advanced on PK's in 2021.
- This was the first win against the Panthers in their 8th career meeting (1-3-4).
- O'leary goal was her first of the season and 19th of her career.
- Talley's goal was her third of the season after a pair in the season opener against UNC-Pembroke.
UP NEXT: Bears will return to SAC play with Emory & Henry comes to town on Saturday. Kick-off is schedule for 7:30 PM.
