ANDERSON, S.C. - The Anderson women's soccer team opened a three match South Atlantic Conference homestand by battling nationally eighth-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne, but dropped a narrow 1-0 South Atlantic Conference decision Saturday afternoon at Trojan Stadium.
The conference-opening contest for both teams saw Bears' senior Catherine Hauck score the game-winning goal in the 57th minute to boost Lenoir-Rhyne to 4-1 overall on the season and 1-0 in league action. Anderson (3-4, 0-1 SAC), which was playing its playing its fifth contest in 11 days, suffered its second consecutive setback, while the preseason league favorite Bears won their third straight match.
The Trojans' Jessica Kleinberg threatened to score in the 11th minute, but her shot from the box was saved by L-R net-minder Caitlyn Scruggs and AU's best opportunity to notch the equalizer came in the 80th minute when Scruggs made a diving stop on Kleinberg's second shot on goal of the afternoon.
Lenoir-Rhyne held a 19-3 advantage in shots and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks.
Trojan sophomore Kaitlyn Neipp absorbed the setback, while garnering three saves. L-R's Scruggs collected the win and also recorded three saves on the afternoon.
Anderson will get back on the pitch Wednesday, Sept. 21, when the Trojans play host to conference-foe Newberry. Kick-off is slated for 5 p.m. at Trojan Stadium.
