CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Shippensburg slipped past the University of Charleston women's soccer team with a soft touched goal in the 67th minute to put a damper on the Golden Eagles season opener, Thursday evening at Schoenbaum Stadium.

Charleston (0-1) looked to have the early advantage as they held possession for much of the first half, yet the Red Raiders defense kept UC just out of reach of the goal. SU goalkeeper Shelbie Rackley grabbed two saves in the opening frame to calm the University of Charleston attack. Rackley would end the contest with just three saves but it would be all she needed to get her first win of the season.

After halftime Shippensburg came out with a new found offensive attack setting up multiple chances against a strong Charleston defensive line. The Red Raiders finally found the scoreboard on of all their chances in the game may have been the most unlikely to hit the back of the net.

SU's Kate Zech got free from the Golden Eagle defense sprinting straight down field and was fed by a long pass from Mehan Mahon. For UC Holly Bigg (Limehouse, Ontario) managed to recover seemingly ending the threat as she poked the ball from Zech with a collision entering the box. Using her final touch as she fell to the ground Zech got enough loft on the ball to lift it past rookie goalkeeper Jennifer Poppe (Barrie, Ontario).

The lone goal is all the would be needed for Shippensburg to register the regional win as UC showed they have some firepower, yet it just wasn't their night. Charleston looks to recover as they prepare for another regional power in California (Pa.), which visits Schoenbaum Stadium on Saturday Sept. 3 for a 4:00 pm matchup.