BECKLEY, W.Va. – The Milligan University women's soccer team won their season opening match on Friday night at the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears, as the Buffs deposited two goals into the net during the second half to secure a 2-0 victory at Paul Cline Stadium.

In the opening half, the Buffs were able to control the game with a strong defensive performance, only allowing one shot on goal, which was saved by goalie Emily Robinson. Milligan's offensive attack was able to find openings in the WVU Tech defense putting four shots on frame. They were unable to find the back of the net, however, and the first half ended with the score knotted at zero.

The Lady Buffs would break through early in the second half when Halle Steele scored an unassisted goal in the 54th minute of the game. Later, Lauren Hawkley took advantage of a West Virginia Tech foul in the goal box by putting away a penalty kick in the 83rd minute to extend Milligan's lead to 2-0.

Overall, Milligan ended up with 11-10 advantage in the shot department, and a 10-6 advantage in shots on net. Lauren Hawkley led the team in shots on goal with four, followed closely by Kelsey Miller with three and Halle Steele with two, while Destini Martinez and Natalie Roper each had one.

Emily Robinson picked up her first win in the net. She saved all six shots on goal that she faced in the bout.

The Lady Buffs will be back in action on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. against Cumberlands (Ky.), which represents their first home match of the season at Anglin Field.