The Misericordia University women's soccer team out-shot their opponents 19-7 en route to a 2-1 victory over Lycoming in the Cougars' season opener, Wednesday at Mangelsdorf Field.

Sophomore Laura Roney had a goal and an assist for MU. Classmate Sam Helmstetter added a goal and junior Katie Usher had an assist.

After a frustrating first half, the Cougars broke through early in the second. Less than five minutes in, Helmstetter powered in a header off Roney's corner to take the lead. Roney then got behind the defense and blasted a high shot past the Lycoming keeper for a 2-0 advantage.

Misericordia kept pressing and had a great chance four minutes later when freshman Alyssa Mocion put Helmstetter through. The MU striker dribbled around the goalie but took the ball just a bit too wide to convert.

The Cougars had further chances to put the game away with Jenn Brucker's direct free kick caught and Emily Esposito's shot from the right side palmed just wide.

Lycoming made it interesting, finishing off a goal-line scramble with 14 minutes to play. The Warriors had a dangerous corner kick in the dying seconds but MU goalkeeper Morgan Myers (3 saves) came out to collect the cross.

The Cougars also had a run of chances early in the game. After 12 minutes, a long throw by Usher was flicked on by Helmstetter to Roney, who shot just wide. Two minutes later, Andrea Sierer was through on the right side but put her attempt high.

Kim Suchoski had a great chance midway through the half when her near-post shot forced the Lycoming keeper into a diving save. Then Helmstetter's header from two yards out was cleared off the line by a Warrior defender.

With under a minute to play in the half, Jenica Keister and Christine Wilhelm executed a nice short corner but Wilhelm's shot to the near post was saved.

Misericordia is 1-0 on the season and will host York on Saturday at 1:00.

Game Highlights: