Box Score
Despite the match being delayed due to weather, the Lady Bruins came out with a strong performance to pick up their first win of the 2016 season as they defeated Southern Wesleyan University 2-0. This was the second time BJU has beaten SWU in the past few weeks, as the Lady Bruins won the last meeting 3-1 in the preseason on August 18th.

"Southern Wesleyan is always a tough match for us," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "They always play us great till the end. We're not there yet and we still gave up possession too easily at times. Having said that, I liked the way we played on the defensive side though and we had some good ball movement which resulted in some great goals." 

Tonight's match was originally scheduled for 6:00 PM, but due to weather conditions, the team had to sit through a delay that lasted for nearly two hours. Players returned to the field around 7:05, and play started at 7:35 p.m. 
 
The Bruins came out firing in the first half and had an advantage of possession over Warriors, generating several shots on goal. The team got a golden opportunity after Mimi Lozano broke through the defense on a breakaway, but her shot sailed just wide. The team had another opportunity to break the scoreless draw as a cross by Lozano landed right at the feet of Kaitlyn Hummel in front of the net, but the shot sailed wide again. Despite generating 12 shots throughout the first half, the Bruins ended the half as they began 0-0.
 
Just thirty seconds into the second half, forward Miriam Lozano put the Bruins on top as she lefted a shot over the keepers hands to give the team their first goal of the match. The fans at Alumni Stadium erupted in celebration. "At halftime, I told Coach Carmichael to put me back in the game," Lozano said. "I really wanted to score and I'm glad he had faith in me to put me back in the game." 
 
After Lozano's goal, Southern Wesleyan went into attack mode. They had several opportunities to score, but were unable to convert. Goalkeeper Kristen Haertlein made several crucial saves, including a one on one save against SWU's forward Rachel Curtis at the midway point of the half.

With only minutes remaining, the Bruins continued to cling to a one-goal lead. Still, they continued to pressure the net and pressed the ball into the attacking third. Lozano crossed the ball over to Kaitlin Hummel who redirected a pass to Lauren Foushee inside the box. Foushee turned and fired a low shot into the opposite corner to clinch the game for the Bruins as the team defeated Southern Wesleyan University 2-0.
  
"This is a great stepping stone for us," Lozano said. "It really gave us our confidence back, and we can't wait for Saturday's match." 
 
The team outshot the Warriors 20-8 throughout the match and did well in maintaining possession. Defensively, the team was able to turn aside each SWU attack to capture their first win, and first clean sheet of the season. Next up, the Lady Bruins will host Milligan College on Saturday night.