The Briar Cliff women's soccer team fell 1-0 in their season opener to Clarke Thursday. The Chargers drop their first game of the season and move to 1-1-1.
 
"We weren't there mentally in the first half," said head coach Gabrielle Parks. "We have a learning curve with a new team, but we are looking forward to the next one."
 
The Charger offense was held in check by the Pride, as they registered two shots with one goal in the contest. Hannah Shuttleworth put a shot in frame in the 33rd minute, but was stopped by the Pride goalie, April Lashomb.
 
The Pride put away the game winner in the 35th minute with a goal from Jaycee Page, assisted by Shannon Catchur.
 
Shuttleworth and Sophia Rodriguez took the two shots for the Cliff. The Pride defense played a strong 90 minutes, as the Blue and Gold did not take a corner kick in the match.
 
Jaime Rowlands made six saves in 58 minutes in net for the Cliff, while Kinley Wood rejected three shots in 31 minutes.
 
Briar Cliff will now turn their attention to their GPAC opener next Wednesday against Dordt. The Chargers and Defenders kick off at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Field.