Posting what head coach Chris Hennessey called "a very important road victory," 12th ranked Lee improved to 2-1 on the year against tough DII competition after a 2-0 win over host Carson-Newman University on Friday evening.
The Lady Flames scored a goal in each half in handing the Eagles their second loss of the young season. Junior midfielder Devin Healy picked up a turnover near the six-yard box and rammed the ball into the left side of the net for her first goal of the season and gave Lee a 1-0 halftime advantage.
Her score came at the 25:26 mark.
After the two clubs battled back and forth for the majority of the second 45 minutes, senior forward Emma Higgins gave the Lady Flames a little breathing room when she also scored her first goal of the year on an assist from junior forward Riley Henry with less than three minutes remaining (87:39).
Lee fired 12 shots overall and six were on target. The Eagles were limited to just eight shots and placed four on frame. Lee keeper Taylor Green recorded a clean sheet and picked up her second win of the year. Carson-Newman keeper Jasmine Rizk registered a pair of saves and took the loss. The Eagles were awarded four corner kicks and Lee had two. The well-played game had only five fouls called, three against the Lady Flames and two whistles against the Eagles.
"Credit goes to our defense again this evening. Our back four continues to play well. Carson-Newman was a good test but our girls dug in and fought hard the entire night. We endured their pressure and were able to bring a victory back to Cleveland," said Coach Hennessey. "Carson-Newman has a lot of new faces and they will get better as the season progresses."
The Lady Flames will have a short rest before going back on the road on Monday, facing Trevecca Nazarene University (8 p.m.). Coach Hennessey will bring his club to the Lee Soccer Field for the first time on Wednesday, Sept. 25 when they host Tusculum College. Lee opens GSC play at home on Saturday, Sept. 28 against rival Shorter University.