FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s soccer team dropped its 2011 season opener on the road Sept. 2 at Tusculum College, 3-2.

The Pioneers, who were picked to finish third in the South Atlantic Conference, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after 25 minutes of play. Montevallo bounced back with a late first-half goal, but a Pioneer goal just five minutes into the second half gave Tusculum a 3-1 lead and the Falcons were unable to overcome.

Montevallo was led by junior Katy Hutto, a Thompson High School graduate and Florida College transfer, and sophomore Asgerdur Palsdottir, who provided the first goals of the season for the Falcons. Hutto received a through ball from freshman Lyndsie Jacobs with less then five minutes to play in the first half and slotted the ball just inside the far post to cut the halftime deficit to just one goal.

Palsdottir scored on a short shot in front of the net after being set up by a Taylor Kerr free kick with 21 minutes left in regulation to once again cut the lead to one goal. Montevallo was unable to break through in the final 20 minutes as the Pioneer defense stood strong to capture a 3-2 victory.

The Falcons managed nine shots in the game coming from eight different players. Sophomore Kaitlin Thomas got the start in goal for the Falcons as she played 45 minutes and allowed a pair of goals while making two saves. Junior Alyssa Maxwell played the second half and made a pair of saves while allowing a single goal.

Tramicka James scored a pair of goals in the victory for Tusculum while Marissa Williams made three saves in goal for the Pioneers.

The Falcons will be back in action Sept. 4 in the home opener against the University of West Alabama. The match begins at 3 p.m. on Varsity Field.