PEMBROKE – Freshmen duo Sara Lundberg and Amber Watkins turned in one goal and one assist apiece to help the UNC Pembroke women's soccer team snap its two-game losing streak and pick up a 2-1 victory over regional rival Tusculum on Monday night at Varsity Grounds.

Behind the first-half brace of Lundberg and Watkins, the Lady Braves (6-6-0) were able claim their first victory all-time against Tusculum (5-5-3). UNCP is now 3-2 against regional opponents this season, and improves to 1-2-1 all-time against the Pioneers.

"Our system worked, our game plan worked and the players showed unbelievable heart and character. They really embraced the next man up mentality. I just couldn't be prouder of them, it was a total team effort," said UNCP head coach Lars Andersson.  

The visitors opened the scoring early, as Amy Neltner served the ball to Kelli McCalla, whose shot inside the box sailed into the upper left side of the goal in just the third minute of play. The Black and Gold began its comeback in the 23rd minute as Watkins found Lundberg who dribbled past a Tusculum defender to find the back of the net, giving UNCP the equalizer.

Watkins, who recorded her second game-winning goal of the season in the victory, pushed across the score four minutes later after Rae-Shawna Campbell and Lundberg worked to get her the ball six yards out from the goal. Watkins' shot to the bottom left corner of the net slipped past the Pioneers' keeper at the 26:09 mark.

The second frame remained relatively quite, each team taking six shots and three corner kicks apiece during the final 45 minutes. UNCP's backline prevented the Pioneers from creating scoring opportunities in the second half. The defensive front comprised of Michelle Brown, Julie Fisher, Jasmine Jordan and Savanna Stiles helped hold Tusculum to just four shots on goal in the match.

"Our defense is just growing and getting better by the minute. They're different players all four of them, but together they're starting to gel."

Claire Tracy made her debut appearance between the pipes for the Black and Gold, earning her first victory in goal after a complete 90:00 minutes. Tracy grabbed two saves during her first stint as goalkeeper. Tusculum's keeper Marissa Williams recorded a full 90:00 minutes, picking up four saves of her own. 

"Today we pulled Claire out of our players and gave her a 15 minutes goalkeeping tutorial before the game. She's never played between the pipes, but she's a great athlete. We wanted to identify one of the best athletes on the team and asked her if she was willing to take the gloves and give it a try. Claire did more than give it a try, she actually earned her first win as a goalkeeper," said Andersson.

The Lady Braves will look to carry the momentum into Wednesday's match against another regional opponent, Lenoir-Rhyne (8-2-1). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Varsity Grounds in Pembroke.