JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- The eighth-ranked Carson-Newman women's soccer team opened South Atlantic Conference play with a win on Sunday night by taking down Lenoir-Rhyne, 1-nil, at McCown Field.

Lady Eagle freshman Lizeth Munguia (Wilmington, N.C.) scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute off a deflection on a corner kick. Nikki Brannen (Soddy Daisy, Tenn.) and Trenna Howell (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) were credited with the assist. The goal was Munguia's first as a Lady Eagle.

With the win, C-N improves to 9-0 on the season and 1-0 in the SAC. The Bears fall to 8-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

"Both teams are having great years, so it was important for us to get off to a winning start in the conference," C-N head coach Phil McNamara said. "I was delighted with our play in the first half, but we had nothing to show for it. When it's all said and done, it's a win and we still got a clean sheet."

C-N outshot the Bears 16-10, while Lenoir-Rhyne held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal.

The Lady Eagles pushed their lead to 2-0 in the 52nd minute when Munguia placed the ball in the back of net, but the goal was waved off because of an offside call against C-N.

Lenoir-Rhyne had several opportunities to tie the match late with three shots on goal, but C-N goalkeeper Lauren MacKenzie (Barrie, Ontario) turned away the Bears each time. MacKenzie collected four saves on the night to pick up the win and improve to 7-0 on the season.

Bears goalkeeper Katelyn Burwell (Carthage, N.C.) finished the match with one save.

C-N returns to the pitch on Wednesday in a SAC matchup at rival Tusculum. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.