A&M-Commerce Wins Season Opener 4-1

Lions Offense Sets Early Tone for 2014 Season

Box Score

COMMERCE, TEXAS - The Lions are now 17-1-1 in season-opening games since 1996 after a decisive 4-1 victory over the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) Mountain Lions.

Forwards Jade Bell (10', 53') and Savannah Henderson (6', 86') each scored a pair of goals in each half. The Lions as a team outshot the Mountain Lions 23-15, and maintained a pace that proved to be too much for UCCS.

"I'm a bit tired, but this feels great," said Bell, who was credited with the game-winner, "with the cheering from the girls on the bench and all these people in the stands, it was quite a boost for us."

Henderson scored five points on the night (2G, 1A), putting her on an early pace that threatens to shatter her 2013 season output of 21 points (7G, 7A). Meanwhile, newly-converted forward sophomore Vicky Back also got in on the scoring, earning a point by notching an assist on Bell's game-winner.

Coach Neil Piper liked what he saw from his team, including new goaltender Courtnie Northern, who only had to face three UCCS shots on goal. He believes the home-field advantage played a large part in the win.

"We were really able to take it to them in the second half," said Piper, "They couldn't keep up with us after a while. Might have been that Texas heat."

The Lions will stay at home to enjoy that home-field advantage a bit longer. They get a three-day rest before hosting the St. Mary's Rattlers on Tuesday, September 9th at 4:00 p.m. After that, the Lions will pack their bags and fly for Pensacola, Florida, where they will play a neutral-site game against the Columbus State University Cougars on Friday, September 12^th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (2:30 p.m. Central).

UPDATE: For a gallery of pictures from the game against UCCS, click here.

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