NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Carson-Newman Eagles (2-4) women's soccer team dropped their first match in South Atlantic Conference play to the Newberry Wolves (4-2-1) by a score of 5-1 at NC Soccer Field on Saturday afternoon.

Junior midfielder Slyvia Palermo (Wintergarden, Fla.) scored Carson-Newman's lone goal in the match, her first of the season for the Eagles.

"I think there are a lot of positives we can take out of this game," said Carson-Newman Director of Soccer and head coach Richard Moodie. "It's going to be a tough conference for sure."

Newberry took an early lead in the ninth minute mark when Katie Sas scored from 20 yards out for the match's first goal. Less than two minutes later in the 11^th minute mark, Newberry's Brayden Miller scored from inside 18 feet to put the score at 2-0.

Less than a minute later in the 12^th minute mark, Amber Chase added to the scoring for Newberry by finding the back of the net from over 18 yards out to put the Wolves' lead at 3-0.

Palermo's goal came in the 33^rd minute mark, as she scored on an assist by senior defender Sam Thomsit (Bristol, England) on a low shot for Carson-Newman's first goal in conference play, cutting Newberry's lead to 3-1. The goal was Carson-Newman's only shot on goal in the match.

"Absolute fantastic goal," said Moodie. "Real enjoyable goal to watch, and there were easier chances to score in the game but Sylvia did well."

Carson-Newman had freshman goalkeeper Kendra Ivins between the posts for the first period, where she allowed three goals and collected two saves. The Eagles switched to senior Tiarna McKenna at goalkeeper for the second period.

Newberry would add two goals against McKenna in the second period, as Cassie Smith scored in the 47^th minute mark while Gabrielle Brodie scored in the 63^rd minute mark to cap the scoring at 5-1, which would be the final score.  McKenna was at goalkeeper for the entirety of the second period, allowing two goals while collecting one save.

The Eagles were outshot in the match 11-8 in the match.

Carson-Newman will next play on Wednesday Sept. 19 at home against Lincoln Memorial at 5 p.m. at McCown Field. Live game audio will be available on www.cneagles.com.