AUSTIN, Texas – Lynn University struck early in the second half and withstood a late surge from St. Edward's to hand women's soccer a 1-0 defeat in its season opener. 
 
St. Edward's pressed its advantage in the game's opening minutes, finding space down the sidelines to forwards TRISTYN CABELLO and MARIE HANNEDOUCHE. 
 
Hannedouche showcased the type of fancy footwork that should add a dynamic new wrinkle to the Hilltopper attack, bringing a Lynn University defender stumbling to the ground with a devastating crossover step to get an early shot on goal.
 
Lynn upped its defensive pressure in St. Edward's defensive third and found some momentum with a pair of set pieces off a free kick and a corner, delivering perfectly placed balls in front of the net and far post with Hilltopper keeper DARIA SCHLUMBOHM keeping the ball out of the net and falling on the rebound. 
 
Both teams generated three shots in a scoreless first half, placing one on goal each, though Lynn managed to carry a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks and a slight edge in time of possession at the break. 
 
The Fighting Knights struck quickly in the second half when Kayla Bradby found K'la Barnes-Blackwood in the opening minute for the game-winner. 
 
Lynn continued to carry the momentum in the second half with a 7-3 advantage in shots, with the defensive backline blocking a shot and Schlumbohm stopping another. The Fighting Knights also continued to earn corner kicks with a 4-0 advantage in the second half. 
 
St. Edward's put together a final surge over the final five minutes. ANNIE ROCHA created two late opportunities, one just wide right and another that fell just over the crossbar by the slimmest of margins. Hannedouche also put a second shot on goal, going to the lower right corner, but was stopped by Lynn keeper ANNIE ROCHA. Rocha finished with three shots, Hannedouche put two on goal, and Wust had one attempt.
 
The Hilltoppers will return to the pitch on Sunday to face Concordia-St. Paul at 1:00 p.m.