Women's Soccer Defeats Union 3-0 in Season Opener

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Belmont University Women's Soccer defeated Union University 3-0, for the first win of the 2022 season and the first win on the university's new turf.
 
The Bruins showed out with their first three goal match since the Detroit Mercy matchup in the beginning of their 2021 season.

Goals were scored by Maci Pekmezian, Anna Sweeney, and Leah Firsdon.
 
The Bruins could not have asked for a better night at E.S. Rose Park, cool temperatures for the Tennessee summer and of course a dashing sunset. Belmont took advantage of their opportunities early scoring two of their three goals in the first 13 minutes, two and a half minutes apart from one another.
 
A beautiful long ball was sent to the edge of the eighteen, Mai Thy Nguyen calmly brought it to the edge of the box to service Pekmezian back at the top of the eighteen. Pekmezian then brought the ball around her body to her left foot and sent the ball soaring past the goalie in the upper right ninety. A great team effort for the first goal of the season.
 
Just two and a half minutes later the Bruins added to their lead. Avery Nowak ripped the ball from midfield over the defense's heads. Anna Sweeney's speed landed her in a one versus one situation against the Lady Bulldog's goalie. Sweeney excelled under the pressure and fed the ball on the ground to ensure another Belmont goal.
 
"We stepped our play later in the game." Said Head Coach Heather Henson. The Bruins proved their resilience and hunger for another goal was put on display as they scored within the final minute of the match. The Bruins put the pressure on the Bulldogs. Defender Kennedy Wise stopped a Union clear near the midfield. A powerful ball was sent into the box and knocked off of the goalie's gloves and the body of Addy Pitts, Firsdon in the perfect place sent the ball past the goalie on the ground.

The Bruins tallied 18 shots, 11 shots on goal, while producing seven corner kicks. Sweeney led the Bruins in shots on the night with four, closley followed by Firsdon and Nowak with three. 
 
Both Sarah Doyle and Taylor Wieland saw time in the net tonight. Due to the Bruins strong possession the Bulldogs only had two opportunities for shot which were both saved by Doyle.
 
Senior Claire Fallon proved her veteran status on the back line tonight. Fallon held down the defense while getting in the mix up top and producing plays for her teammates. "She was a leader on the field  she got into the attack, and step to defend. She worked both sides of the ball and did everything we asked of her."
 
Leah Firsdon also battled hard throughout her time in the game consistently making plays in the corner of the offense.
 
"It was a good first win but we also realize the work we still need to put in. It's a journey."
 
That journey will continue as the Bruins head to the University of North Alabama this Sunday, August 21 for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
 
Follow Belmont women's soccer on social media - @BelmontWSoccer on Twitter and @belmont.wsoccer on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.