Lions Win SAC-Opener Over Newberry

NEWBERRY, S.C.-- Mars Hill's men's soccer team opened South Atlantic Conference play with a 3-1 victory over Newberry Saturday afternoon at Newberry College's Smith Field Complex.

Alex Mullen scored two goals, while Serge Kebbeh added the first goal of his Lion career to pace MHU to their first victory of the season. Goalkeeper Oliver Pannell made four saves to pick up his first victory as a Lion. Brady Francis scored a goal to lead Newberry. The two teams combined to score three goals off penalty kicks. Mars Hill improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in SAC matches. Newberry falls to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in conference matches.

MHU struck first on Mullen's first goal of the afternoon, which came on a penalty kick following a foul in the box at the 11:43 mark of the contest.

Kebbeh scored what would later prove to be the game-winner on a shot to the far post from 30-yards out. The unassisted goal was Kebbeh's first goal as a Lion.

Francis cut the Lion lead to 2-1 with a goal following a penalty kick in the 43rd-minute. The penalty kick followed a hand ball. The goal was Francis' first of the season.

Mullen struck again off yet another penalty kick early in the second half. The goal was Mullen's third of the season.

Newberry outshot Mars Hill 13-12. Nicholas Lucido made two saves for the Wolves.

Mars Hill continues SAC play Wednesday when they host Tusculum for a 7:30 p.m. match in Meares Stadium.