The Reinhardt University Eagles dominated the Lady Bruins from start to finish as they went on to defeat BJU 7-3. Heat was a factor, as temperatures were well over 90 degrees. Both teams were given a water break halfway through the first and second halves.

"We were not defending with enough urgency and we weren't organized," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Our second half was much better, but we need to play well for 90 minutes." 
 
Reinhardt didn't waste any time as they scored their first goal of the game two minutes in courtesy of a well placed shot by Adrien Merrilles. The Eagles made it 2-0 a little over ten minutes later after scoring a goal off a corner kick. Bruin goalkeeper Kristen Haertlein mishandled the ball in a swarm of Reinhardt players and Megan Monroe finished the play to keep the Eagles on top.
 
The Lady Bruins had a few opportunities to score in the first half, but were unable to convert. Midfielder Natasha Walters had a great opportunity at the midway point of the half, but her shot sailed just wide. Not being able to possess the ball and capitalize on their opportunities led to the Lady Bruins facing a 4-0 deficit at the half. 
 
After the deficit grew to 5-0 early into the 2nd half, sophomore forward Abby Davis found an opening after a beautifully placed through ball. She was able to kick the ball past the opposing goalkeeper's hands, and it slowly rolled into the corner of the net to put the Bruins on the board. 
 
Later on in the second half, the Bruins were awarded a penalty kick after a handball was called on an Eagles defender. Team captain Sarah Herr placed the ball perfectly past the keeper to give the Lady Bruins their 2nd goal of the match at the 22 minute mark, but the team still trailed 6-2.
 
"I kept telling them to pretend it is zero to zero and to keep pushing themselves till the end," Herr said.
 
With the game well in hand, the Eagles continued to pressure the Bruins with shots. As the final minute ticked away, Miriam Lozano dribbled through several Reinhardt defenders and scored on a beautiful shot. Unfortunately it wasn't enough as the Bruins fell to Reinhardt 7-3.

Reinhardt outshot the Bruins 25-12 throughout the match and dominated possession. The Lady Bruins have a chance to clinch their first win of the season when they host Southern Wesleyan on Thursday night. The Bruins had success against SWU in the preseason, defeating them 3-1. "The key for us in Thursday's game is to increase our possession. Not only to possess the ball, but to possess the ball with a purpose," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said.  
 
Be sure to catch the Lady Bruins in action on Thursday night as they take on Southern Wesleyan University at 6:00 at Alumni Stadium.