TIGERVILLE, S.C. – The Lander women's soccer team used goals from freshmen Katie Newton and MacKenzie Yandle to earn a 2-1 road win over North Greenville in the season opener on Thursday night.

The Bearcats (1-0) outshot the Crusaders 10-9 and limited the Crusaders (0-1) to a single goal, despite six NGU corner kicks. Lander earned one corner kick on the night. 

After both defenses dominated the opening 30 minutes, the Bearcats struck in the 36th minute when Juliette Vidal sent a ball towards the end line to Emily Jermstad, who crossed a pass along the ground to an open Newton for a shot that slipped inside the far post.  

Lander tacked on another goal in the 57th minute when Yandle launched an attempt from 30 yards out. The ball bounced once and evaded the Crusader goalkeeper to give the Bearcats a 2-0 lead. 

North Greenville would answer six minutes later with a goal from Megan Biehl, but the Bearcat defense withstood the late rally effort from the Crusaders as Lander held on for the win. 

Sarah Owen made four saves on the night, while Brianna Rowe also tallied four stops for NGU. Jermstad powered the Bearcat attack with three shots and two shots on goal. 

Lander returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 1 for its home opener against Mars Hill at 7:00 p.m.