Box Score

Wingate, N.C.----The defending SAC Tournament champion Wingate University Bulldogs opened the 2014 conference season with a 1-0 victory over visiting Carson-Newman University Saturday night in South Atlantic Conference women's soccer action. The Bulldogs improve to 1-1-2 overall and 1-0 in the SAC, while the Eagles fall to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

Wingate go on the board 31 minutes into the first half, when two-time All-American Jade Montgomery (Monroe, N.C.) netted her second goal of the season, heading home a perfect pass from sophomore forward Brooke Howell (Charlotte, N.C.) to make it 1-0. Howell has two assists to go along with her four goals this year. Montgomery now has 53 goals during her illustrious career.  

That would be enough for the Bulldogs. The contest was called with 3:08 remaining in regulation due to weather (rain and lightning).

The Bulldogs held a commanding 20-5 advantage in shots, including a 9-4 edge in shots on goal. Montgomery piled up a match-high seven shots on the night, including four shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Hardie (Summerfield, N.C.) collected four saves to notch the shutout. Taylor Hammond had eight saves for Carson-Newman.

Wingate is back in action Wednesday, hosting Lander at 7 p.m.