AIKEN, S.C. - The USCA women's soccer team opened the 2025 campaign with a tremendous 4-1 victory over visiting Saint Leo Thursday evening.

The Pacers are now 1-0 on the season.

The four goals in the match are the most for a season-opening match by the Pacers since a 4-1 victory over Mars Hill in 2017.

Head coach Adam Kleman's team started strong and continued to thrive the entire match. After earning a corner kick in the fifth minute, newcomer Greta Ohlwein found veteran Lexi Blasberg, who quickly found the back of the net for a 1-0 advantage.

After a pair of saves by rookie Savannah Yerger, USCA went back on the attack. Ohlwein rocketed an attempt toward the goal, but it sailed just wide of the frame. In the 26^th minute of action, Shy Iles had an opportunity from 18 yards out. After her first shot was blocked, Iles collected the rebound and blasted another attempt, but it sailed to the left of the target.

At the 27:25 mark, Ohlwein hammered a shot that found the back of the net, propelling USCA to a 2-0 advantage. The score remained the same entering the second period of action.

Yerger turned away two more shots in the first six minutes of the second half. However, the visitors got on the board with a shot from distance at the 53:19 mark, making it 2-1.

Moments later, Kleman's squad answered as Ashtyn Ivey blasted a shot past the keeper for a two-goal advantage at 3-1. Madylena Perez got into the action in the 74^th minute, receiving a pass from Haley Howell and booting a shot past the keeper for a three-goal margin. 

For the match, USCA tallied 10 shots, including four on frame. The team earned three corner kicks in the victory.

Yerger played all 90 minutes between the pipes and accounted for five saves.

The Pacers return to action Sunday, Sept. 7, when they host Francis Marion at 5 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.