GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – After battling Cedarville University to a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes of regulation play, senior Riley Engels knocked the ball into the back of the net only 34 seconds deep into the overtime period.
Thursday's game against the club from Cedarville, Ohio was the season opener for the Lady Flames. They will have one day to recover before facing top-ranked and host Grand Valley State on Saturday at 2 p.m.
"It was important for us to get the win today," stated Lee head coach Chris Hennessey. "I thought Cedarville had a good game plan and frustrated us for the majority of the game. They're very well coached and will win a lot of games this year.
"The first game is always tough, but I was pleased with the reaction going into overtime," the coach added. "Now we have to recover and get ready for Saturday."
The Lady Flames out-shot the Yellow Jackets 13-4. Four of Lee's shots were on target while the Ohio club managed just a pair of shots on frame. The tightly played contest saw the two squads awarded only corner kick apiece and the two teams were also whistled for 10 fouls each.
Lee red-shirt senior keeper Taylor Green protected the Lee goal and came away with a pair of saves for the win. Allison Garlock collected four saves in the loss.
After Saturday's contest, the Lady Flames will face another rugged challenge when they hit the road for Jefferson City and face the Lady Eagles of Carson-Newman. The opening kick is slated for 7 p.m.
