BANNER ELK, N.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team pushed Lees-McRae to the brink but fell by a 1-0 score in the team's season-opening match.

The Pacers are now 0-1 on the season while LMC is 2-0.

Mary Cecil turned away the first shot of the contest for the home team, coming in the 12^th minute of play. The Bobcats registered another shot on goal at the 32:03 mark, but Cecil was once again up for the challenge, keeping the match scoreless.

A foul in the box in the 33^rd minute of play resulted in LMC earning a penalty kick. The home squad converted the penalty kick for what turned out to be the lone goal of the match.

In the 36^th minute, Charlotte Mannella blasted a shot that was stopped by the LMC keeper. 

Head coach Tina Murphy's team went on the offensive, recorded three more shots in the next three minutes of play. Tashiana Kwatowski rocketed a shot at the 36:54 mark while Mackenzie Cochrane had an attempt five seconds later. Kwatowski nearly knotted the match in the 40^th minute, but her shot was turned away by the keeper.

Baylea Payne registered a shot on goal in the 72^nd minute of play. Murphy's team had one final shot, coming at the 84:48 mark. However, rookie Macy Vermillion's shot was saved.

The squad put together a tremendous game plan and had outstanding effort, but it was unable to find the equalizer.

USC Aiken recorded six shots in the match, including four on frame. Cecil played all 90 minutes between the pipes, stopping four shots.  

The Pacers return to action Friday, Sept. 10 when they play at Anderson. The match is slated to start at 6 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.