FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga - The Emmanuel College Women's Soccer team has claimed their first win of the season with a competitive 1-0 win over the North Greenville Crusaders. The Lions set up the game winning goal in the opening 2 minutes, with senior midfielder Emma Tamblyn netting the winner. Tamblyn finished with 4 shots for the night and her spectacular work ethic helped lead the Lions to victory. The goal was produced after freshman forward Alicia Phillips stole the ball off the NGU backline and managed to get the ball to Allison Edinfield, who opened up the opportunity for Tamblyn's long range shot. The Lions continued to pressure the Crusader backline early, and were unlucky not to score again in the 18^th minute after a Jessie Denney Shot went wide. To the Crusaders credit they fought back into the game midway through the second half, and gave EC goal keeper Breanna Grizzle a good workout, outshooting the Lions 7-4 in the first half. The second half was a tense battle, both teams fighting to keep control of the play and set up their offensive players. Emmanuel outshot the Crusaders in the second half, and successfully defender 10 corner kicks throughout the match. Allison Edinfield looked dangerous in front of goal on three opportunities, as did Jessie Denney. Stephanie Lamm was unlucky not to score in the 70^th minute after a flick on lead her into goal, but a tight Crusader defense ensured it would be a 1-0 game. The Lions defense had a memorable night with the first shutout of the year and memorable performances from all players, including freshman Taylor Craig, who subbed in during the first half. Emmanuel goal keeper Breanna Grizzle made 5 saves for the night and played a solid 90 minutes in goal. "Our commitment to defend as a team tonight really stood out" said Head Coach Forrest Wimberly. "We created the game-winning goal from our defensive pressure and we stayed strong in tackles, recovery runs, and in our organization all game long. This was also the first shutout in our new NCAA program era and we see this result as another positive stepping stone as we continue the NAIA to NCAA transition here at EC"