MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Scots women's soccer team opened CCS play in strong fashion Sunday afternoon, earning a 2-1 victory over Piedmont at the MC Soccer Complex. The Scots struck first, responded well after conceding an equalizer, and controlled much of the second half to secure the win.
Maryville (2-5, 1-0 CCS) outshot Piedmont (4-3, 0-1 CCS) 26–9 and generated nine corner kicks to the Lions' three. Hannah Smoot opened the scoring in the 27th minute when she finished a setup from Anne Marie Konieczny. Just four minutes later, Piedmont's Paige Kluba answered to even the match at 1–1, a score that held through halftime.
The Scots continued to press after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 66th minute. Avery Brown connected with Ellie Schuld, who delivered what proved to be the game-winner. Goalkeepers Trinity Atkinson and Kristen Burns combined for four saves in the win, with Burns holding Piedmont scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
Head coach Jon Baker credited the team's preparation: "I think having a good week of training helped. We've been working on some things, and getting everybody back healthy again has helped. Hopefully, we can springboard from this."
A key returner in the game was senior midfielder Annabelle Proctor, who fired three shots on goal. "We've missed Belle," Coach said. "She's an all-region, multiple all-conference player. You're going to miss that type of player when she's hurt. Getting her back was huge."
The victory came against a strong Piedmont squad picked second in the preseason CCS Poll. "They're always a great program, well-coached, and always give you their best," Coach said. "So yeah, it's a great start for us."
Maryville now looks ahead to senior day on Saturday, September 27, when the Scots host Huntingdon in another key conference matchup.
