Martinsen shines in win over USC Aiken in season opener

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill women's soccer team (1-0-0) defeated USC Aiken (0-1-0), 2-1, to open up the 2018 season on Wednesday evening at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.

After a two-hour lightning delay, the Lions dictated the play in the first half, outshooting the Pacers seven-to-five.  Freshman forward Sanne Martinsen opened the scoring 25 minutes into the contest for her first career collegiate marker. 

Lions' goalkeeper Tonje Jorgensen stopped all five shots she saw in 45 minutes of action.

Martinsen added her second tally of the night with 16 minutes remaining.  Following a deflected shot from Juanita Guzman, a sliding Martinsen tucked the ball under the crossbar to give Mars Hill a 2-0 lead. 

Yasmine Vander-Bossche cut the deficit in half with six minutes remaining to break the Mars Hill shutout.  With a couple of chances late, the Pacers were unable to tie the contest, giving the Lions the win.

"I'm very proud of the effort tonight," head coach Jamey Newsome said shortly after the conclusion of the contest.  "I thought we defended well and took advantage of our opportunities.  I hope we gain some confidence from this and keep it going."

The Lions return to action on Saturday, September 1 when they take on Lander in their first road contest of the season.