MARS HILL, N.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team lost a hard-fought 2-1 decision at Mars Hill Thursday evening in the season opener for both teams.

The Pacers are now 0-1 on the season while the Lions are 1-0.

Head coach Hilary George's team registered a shot on goal in the 17^th minute off the boot of rookie Lauren Sigmon, but the Lions' keeper was up for the challenge. Less than a minute later, Willa Olson's shot was also stopped, keeping the contest scoreless.

Monica Armendariz's attempt was thwarted in the 25^th minute of play. Just 61 seconds later, MHU netted a goal for the 1-0 lead. The Lions would hold the advantage until the second period after Amanda Raleigh and Charlotte Manella's attempts were saved.

The Pacers were aggressive in the opening moments, tallying the first four shots of the second stanza, including one from Amanda Giordano that was stopped by Clare Witt.

Armendariz nearly knotted the score at the 69:19 mark, but her attempt ricocheted off the crossbar.

The Lions took a 2-0 lead in the 76^th minute, but USC Aiken battled back. Lauryn Laslie found Yasmine Vanden-Bossche in the 85^th minute of action, cutting the deficit to 2-1, but neither team would register another shot the rest of the way.

Makenzie Cude played all 90 minutes between the pipes, earning three saves. The Pacers outshot the home team 15-10, including a 9-5 edge in shots on goal.

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they play at Lenoir-Rhyne at 7 p.m.