PULASKI, Tenn. – The Campbellsville University Lady Tiger soccer team traveled to Tennessee Saturday evening for a match-up with the 12th ranked RedHawks of Martin Methodist. Campbellsville held tough through the first 85 minutes of the match, only being down 1-0, but the RedHawks scored two goals in the final seven minutes for the 3-0 win.

The scoring started for the RedHawks in the 28th minute when Taylor Samsel's shot went into the upper right corner of the goal from about the 35-yard mark.

"Samsel made a tremendous play that not many players will make," said coach Thom Jones. "A team of their caliber is going to put pressure on our defense, and we weren't playing aggressive enough in the first half. Samsel made us pay by a great shot."

Campbellsville came out flat for their season opener, and weren't winning the 50-50 balls, according to Jones. The Lady Tigers only had two shots on goal during the first 45 minutes of play compared to Martin Methodist's five.

The only strong chance for the Lady Tigers during the first half was on a free kick by Savanna Stephens that went into the box and Alex Shaffer's shot missed wide left.

But besides the shot wide by Shaffer in the 31st minute, the RedHawks dominated the first half of play and led at half time, 1-0.

Jones made a few adjustments for the Lady Tigers in the locker room and Campbellsville started the second half with a little fire. Campbellsville came right down the field in the 48th minute but Bailey McDonough's shot missed high.

"The main adjustments we made at the half were trying to play the ball more over the top and switch on defense," said Jones. "The ladies started to win the 50-50 balls and gave us some momentum in the second half."

Freshman, Chelsea Gill, was making her first collegiate start for the Lady Tigers and had the last shot on goal that RedHawk goalkeeper, Aisling Dyer, made an acrobatic diving stop to keep Martin Methodist ahead 1-0 in the final 15 minutes to play. 

In the last seven minutes, the Lady Tigers started taking more chances and playing more aggressive than they usually do because of the 1-0 defecit.

"When a team of their caliber gets a few openings in the defense, they will capitalize on a lot of them," Jones said.

And capitalize they did. Martin Methodist scored twice within two minutes to put the game out of reach for the Lady Tigers.

On the bright side, Brandie Hagerman had four saves to one goal allowed the first 85 minutes, two of which came at key times.

"Brandie played awesome for us tonight," Jones said. Not many goalkeepers are going to be able to make the saves and get to the balls that she gets to. She had a one-on-one breakaway with Samsel, and made an outstanding save that kept the score 1-0 late in the game."

The Lady Tigers (0-1) have their 2013 home opener at Finley Stadium against Union College, Aug. 28 at 7p.m.

To follow the Lady Tiger soccer team, and all CU athletic events, follow CU Athletics on Twitter @CvilleTigers. And also on Facebook at Campbellsville Tigers.