CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — It didn't take Campbellsville long to get going on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon, downing St. Xavier University, 2-1.
 
The 12^th-ranked Tigers picked up an early lead in the third minute of play, as senior Ross Lindsay scored CU's first goal of the season.
 
In the 18^th minute, Campbellsville added on to its lead but ended up scoring what would be the game-winner in the 18^th minute. Newcomer Ignacio Mangada received a pass from teammate Lucas Freitas and his first shot was blocked by a Cougar defender, but Mangada followed his shot and beat goalkeeper Frank Valle on the rebound to put CU ahead, 2-0.
 
"It was a great start to our season with the quick goals," said coach Adam Preston. "But we a young team and the guys backed off a little after we went up 2-0. Credit St. Xavier, though, because they are a good team as well and put pressure on us. But our guys have to learn that it isn't the end of the match after getting a 2-0 lead... A positive out of it, though, is it's nice to get a win in a learning experience."
 
The rest of the first half was all Campbellsville, as SXU recorded just two first-half shots but neither were on goal. The Tigers finished the first 45 minutes with 13 shots and seven on goal.
 
St. Xavier was able to cut into the Campbellsville lead late in the second period. Goalkeeper Gonzalo Sapena and Danny Lopez collided inside the 18-yard box leading to a foul being called on Sapena and a penalty kick being awarded. Lopez finished low to beat Sapena for SXU's lone goal.
 
The Cougars had just two other shots on goal but Sapena erased both to finish with two saves in the season opener. Campbellsville had another prime opportunity to put the game away but Guilherme Fanck's header was saved by Valle.
 
Campbellsville dominated the overall game, finishing with 21 shots compared to eight for SXU. But the heat and humidity got to both clubs down the stretch.
 
"We didn't handle the hot and humid weather very well today," said Preston. "We have been working fitness really hard this fall but I fell like we should have put up better numbers against St. Xavier today. We have guys coming from South America where it's in the winter months. Those guys are adjusting on the fly so it's something we expect early on."
 
Campbellsville will have a week to get its legs back under them as they host preseason No. 4 Lindenwood-Belleville on Saturday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is scheduled at 5 p.m. ET at Campbellsville's Finley Stadium.
 
"Lindenwood is a great team coming in at No. 4 in the country," said Preston. "We went up to their place last year and pulled out a win and I think we can do that again if our guys can be mentally prepared. That's what we are pursuing really hard right now and have to prevent those mental breakdowns."