PEMBROKE – Despite a 2-1 advantage coming out of halftime, the UNC Pembroke women's soccer team was overcome by an aggressive Lenoir-Rhyne team on Wednesday night at Varsity Grounds.

The Bears (9-2-1) fired off 21 shots, while holding UNCP (6-7-0) to just seven shots on the match, and used seven corner kicks to their advantage. Lenoir-Rhyne played aggressiving, picking up 10 fouls in the outing, as UNCP collected six fouls of their own. The setback marked the fourth time the Lady Braves have lost to Lenoir-Rhyne, as the Bears improve to 4-7-1 all-time against the Black and Gold. 

"Given the circumstances, playing a field player in goal, we still almost took down our second regionally-ranked team in a row. I want to reiterate that I am so proud of Claire for taking on the task of putting the gloves on and accepting the goalkeeping position, when she's never played the position," said UNCP head coach Lars Andersson.

UNCP entered the second half trying to protect its lead, but Lenoir-Rhyne wasted no time matching the Black and Gold. Less than 10 minutes into the second frame Kendal Smith was able to break away from the UNCP defense and send the ball into the lower right corner of the net. Miranda Simon punched in the game-winning goal five minutes later at the 59:37 mark on a header following a cross from Briana Belsky and Casey Marlin. The remaining 30 minutes of the match was relatively uneventful as the Lady Braves were held to just two shots during second half. 

Emmi Dunn opened the scoring for the visitors, as her fifth goal of the season found its way through the hands of UNCP keeper, Claire Tracy, eight minutes in to the match. The Lady Braves earned their first tally on the scoreboard after Carolina Sanchez's pass found Rae-Shawna Campbell, who netted a goal off a turn-around shot in the 29th minute. The Black and Gold took the lead when Amber Watkins' shot from the right side reached the back of the net in the 35th minute. Watkins, who delivered the game-winning goal on Monday against Tusculum, was able to add the score after passes from Michelle Hernandez and Sara Lundberg reached her 12 yards from the goal. 

The Black and Gold offensive effort was paced by Campbell, who finished the night with four of UNCP's seven shots. Tracy turned in three saves during her 90:00 minutes between the posts. 

Dunn recorded a match-high six shots, while Smith contributed three shots, including two shots on goal, to the Bears' winning effort. Lenoir-Rhyne netminder, Genny Little, picked up one save en route to earning her eight win in goal this season.

"I couldn't be more proud of the kids, we're obviously dealing with absolutely unique circumstances this year, but they keep battling. We're going to find some more wins in the remaining games on our schedule. You keep playing like this, good things happen to you. You keep responding to adversity, good things happen to you," said Andersson.

After a five-game home swing the Lady Braves will hit the road again on Saturday as the squad returns to Peach Belt Conference action for a 5 p.m. contest in Dahlonega, Ga., with 18th-ranked North Georgia (9-3-0, 4-2-0) at the UNG Soccer Complex. 

To watch the game cock HERE.