Mars Hill, N.C. -- The women's soccer team hit the pitch for their first regular season game Thursday night; where the new, young team took down the Mountain Lions of Mars Hill, 2-1.
 
In the seventh minutes, freshman, Corrie Thomas, scored the Hawks first goal year, giving Shorter an early lead.  Shorter continued to add pressure that led to several good chances in the first half but could not add to the lead. 
 
After a good start to the game by the Hawks, Mars Hill started to add pressure, and in the last 20 minutes of the half Shorter absorbed a massive amount of pressure without conceding a goal
 
The start of the second half was better from the Hawks, and after a couple of missed chances the game was put on lightening delay.
 
The Lions scored an equalizer a few minutes after play resumed at the 57:13 mark to make it a 1-1 game.
 
For the remainder of the game the Shorter continued to create better chances. Thomas struck again in the 87^th minute, scoring the breakthrough goal after receiving a through ball from senior, Cintia Lamas. With just 4 minutes left the hawks were able to hold the Lions to get their first win of the season.
 
"What a great way to start the season," head coach Ben Birdsong commented after the win.
 
"The team did everything they could to earn the victory. The coaching staff made several changes that the girls were able to implement in stride, which led to many good second half chances."
 
"I am so proud of their performance and their willingness to fight for each other to get a positive result," assistant coach Chelsea Parker added. "We were truly able to see the heart and drive of the girls in this first game. When you are in a pinch, heart will win you games. We are excited to get on with the season."
 
Freshman goalkeeper, Alden Powell came up big for the Hawks completing seven saves, while conceding only one to the Mountain Lions.
 
The Hawks continue their trip, heading to Brevard, North Carolina to take on Brevard College at 1:00 PM Saturday.