In a matchup of two NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago, The Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Soccer Team opened the 2023 season with a 1-1 tie against visiting Lee. Elin Hansson scored the lone goal for the Bears battled back from an early 1-0 deficit to open the season with a draw. Kristin Oliver made five saves in her first collegiate start inside the goal for LR.

Lee’s Avery Sides connected on the first goal of the game in the 12th minute as Sides scored from a corner kick just inside the far goalpost beating a diving Oliver to give the Lady Flames the early 1-0 lead.

LR then got the equalizer in the 31st minute as the Bears scored on their corner kick opportunity as Ria Action delivered a strike that Hansson headed inside the line to tie it at one. Hansson’s goal was her 11th career goal for the sophomore.

Neither team could find the game winning goal in the second half but Lee did have their chances with ten second half shots while the Bears had just five. Both goal keepers made five saves a piece but the Bears only had one shot on goal in the final 45 minutes.

The Lady Flames held a 9-4 advantage on corner kicks as both teams did converted one of the opportunity as mention.

This was the first ever meeting between these programs. Both teams are coming off season with an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bears made it to the second round before losing to Columbus State 1-0 while Lee fell to West Florida in the first round last fall.

This is the second straight season the Bears opened with a tie, The Bears opened the 2022 season with a 2-2 tie against Lees McRae. Lees McRae will be the Bears next home opponent on Wednesday September 7th.

The Bears will travel to face Mount Olive on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.