Franklin Springs, GA – The Emmanuel Women's Soccer team opened up conference play today hosting the Belmont Abbey Crusaders. The Crusaders got off to a fast start, scoring in the 2^nd minute of play but the Lions roared back to make things interesting. Ultimately, Belmont Abbey did enough to come away with a 5-2 victory.  With the loss, the Lions fall to 0-4 on the season. 
 
Belmont Abbey started off strong out of the gate with a goal at 2:57 to go up 1-0 early. The Lions played well defensively to hold the Crusaders to that score throughout the first half. Junior, goalkeeper Cailyn Robinson finished the half with 5 saves. 
 
In the second half, the Crusaders added to their lead in the 46^th minute to go up 2-0. Three minutes later, Belmont Abbey made it 3-0.  The Lions got on the board in the 53^rd minute with a goal by Janya Gonzalez on a penalty kick to make it 3-1, Crusaders. Belmont Abbey responded by finding the net at 60:45 to go up 4-1, but Emmanuel's Jillian Aldrich answered. Aldrich scored her first career goal at the 73:22 mark, assisted by Elizabeth Barnhart to make the score 4-2 in favor of the Crusaders. Belmont Abbey tacked on another goal to end the match with a final score of 5-2. 
 
The Crusaders out-shot the Lions 31-8, with 15 shots on goal. Robinson ended her night with 10 saves. Janya Gonzalez led the Lions with 4 shots and 2 shots on goal. 
 
The Lions will be back in action on Wednesday as they host Saint Leo University at 2PM. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.