PEMBROKE, NC- The Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Soccer Team opened the Joanna Fennema era strong on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over host the UNC Pembroke Braves. Emerson Talley scored two goals, including the game's first goal in the 19th minute. Aly Ramsey and Nicole Auger added their first goals of the season as well. The Bears, now 6-0-2 in their last eight season openers, will now prepare for nationally ranked Lee on Thursday afternoon. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final:  #8 Lenoir-Rhyne 4, UNC Pembroke 1
Records:  #8 Lenoir-Rhyne (1-0), UNC-Pembroke (0-2)
Location: Lumbee River EMC Stadium, Pembroke, N.C. 

STATS OF THE MATCH:

• Evan O'Leary set up Talley's first goal in the 19th minute to get the first of her two assists on the day.
• Ramsey netted the game-winning goal right before halftime to give the Bears a 2-0 lead. 
• The Braves attacked quickly after halftime, cutting the lead to 2-1 with a goal in the 47th minute. 
• LR responded right away as Talley found the back of the net in the 49th minute to extend the lead back to two goals. 
• Auger added an insurance goal in the 85th minute, giving the Bears the 4-1 victory. 
• Freshman Riley Miller made six saves in goal in her first career start. 
• Lenoir-Rhyne out shot the Braves 20-12 on the day, notching a balanced attack with nine shots in the first half and 11 in the second. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Senior Emerson Talley's goals were her first two goals of her career
• Nicole Auger's goal was her 7th career goal. 
• Sophomore Aly Ramsey now has five career goals
• This was the 17th all-time meeting between these programs and the first at Pembroke since the 2021 season. 
• LR is now 7-9-1 all-time against the Braves. 
• This is the third straight game the Bears have scored exactly four goals. Bears scored four goals in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 to end last season.

UP NEXT: Bears will head to #12 Lee on Thursday for a huge early season non conference tilt. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. from Cleveland, Tenn.