SARNIA – Picked up a point to open the season.

On Saturday afternoon at the Lambton College Soccer Field, the Lambton Women’s Soccer program scored early in the first half and first-year goalkeeper Madeleine Sloan held the Mohawk offense to just one goal to help the Lions secure a point in their season opener.

Despite the heat, the offense for the Lions got off to a strong start. After a back-and-forth opening stretch that saw both teams try to find their footing, the Lions caught themselves a break and notched the first goal. A fortuitous bounce in the box found its way to second-year midfielder Emily Roy who put the ball past the Mohawk keeper in the 21^st minute.

From there, it was the Madeleine Sloan show in the Lambton net. Sloan made a total of 26 saves on Saturday, 17 of which came in the first half alone.

The Mountaineers bested the first-year keeper in the closing minutes of the first half to draw even before the break.

In the second half, neither team was able to break the deadlock despite some quality chances on both ends of the field. It was a defensive battle with both goalkeepers doing their part to keep their respective teams from falling behind.

Sloan made another nine saves in the second half for the Lions, many of which were quality chances for the Mountaineers.

For a young Lions team without much collegiate experience, the Lions showed a level of resilience and defensive poise that bodes well for the rest of the season. While the veterans led the way, the newcomers held their own and gave the home side a chance to come away with a win in their season opener.

The Lions will return to the field on Friday, September 16^th when they head out on the road to take on the Niagara Knights.