MISENHEIMER – A 70th-minute header from Kristina Stevenson, the season's first tally for the UNC Pembroke women's soccer squad, pushed the Braves past Pfeiffer 1-0 Wednesday night at N.E. Lefko Field in Misenheimer. 

After outshooting opponents 29-14 through the first two defeats, the Braves (1-2) were again the dominant force Wednesday, this time firing 23 shots to Pfeiffer's seven. The 52-21 season shot advantage finally came to fruition for the Black & Gold, sending the hosts to a 1-2-1 record. 

"I thought the girls showed a tremendous amount of mental fortitude tonight," head coach Lars Andersson said. "Once again, we were statistically the better team and had lots of opportunities to score."

It was lucky number 21 for UNCP, using its 21st corner kick of the season, a beautiful pass from Mackenzie Wright, to find the head of Stevenson and then the back of the net. 
"We talked about executing on corners this week," Andersson said. "In the past, we've been a team who scores on set pieces and that finally showed tonight."

Freshman Gina Ryan recorded the first shutout of her collegiate career, saving the only Pfeiffer shot-on-goal. Ryan has surrendering just one tally in 225 minutes in goal this season.

Kate Weisner led all Braves with five shots, while Stevenson was a close second with four. Wright, Courtney Crump, Stacey Scott, and Carly Rochelle each fired three shots at Falcon goalkeeper Kaley Hyatt, who stopped nine of the 10 UNCP shots-on-goal.

"We ran up against a very good Pfeiffer keeper," Andersson said. "But our girls stayed with the game plan and showed what we've been doing in training is something they take to heart and apply to games."

The Black & Gold will look to build on this victory Monday when they travel to Banner Elk for a 5 p.m. meeting with Lees-McRae at Lawson Tate Field. It will be the first meeting between the Braves and Bobcats in school history. 

"I'm really proud of the girls," Andersson said. " All 17 players that saw the field put in an excellent effort and I feel very positive about moving forward from here."