MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (August 23, 2014) â€" Sophomore Keri Harrison scored an equalizing goal in the 22nd minute of the Milligan College women's soccer team's season opener, but the Buffaloes suffered a 4-1 loss to University of South Carolina Beaufort Saturday evening under the lights of Anglin Field.
 
In between intermittent bouts of sprinkling rain, Harrison's goal helped Milligan (0-1) erase a slow start and level the match 1-1 when she guided a strike, her only shot of the contest, to the back of the net from outside of the penalty area. It came roughly 17 minutes after USC Beaufort's Kimberly Johnson broke open the scoring with a close-range goal assisted by Bridgette Noonan in the fifth minute.
 
Beaufort struck again late in the first half with a goal from MJ Orduna (38') and would add to the lead in the second half with goals by Alexa Muffley (48') and Mandy Preciado (50').
 
Milligan was outshot 16-9, including 8-3 in shots on goal, in the loss.
 
"First time out, we were okay," Head Coach Lisa Buckley said. "Our buildup play is what impressed me the most. Defensive organization as a team needs to be better, but overall, there were more positives than negatives."
 
Milligan will begin a three-match road swing starting next Saturday, Aug. 30 against University of Rio Grande. The Buffs will be back home on Sunday, Sept. 14 against Georgia Gwinnett College in what will be the final nonconference match of the season.