Sophomore Terra Hall scored a pair of goals and the Cougar defense withstood a strong attack as MU defeated Gwynedd-Mercy, 3-2, in both teams' season opener Friday evening at Mangelsdorf Field.
 
Sophomore Hannah Harvey added a goal and an assist for the Cougars (1-0).
 
MU jumped out to an early lead as Hall converted on a pass from Harvey in the fourth minute. The Cougars extended their lead to 2-0 on a Harvey goal in the ninth minute. The lead would be short-lived, as Sarah Jackson and Erin Gorenflo each scored goals for Gwynedd-Mercy (0-1) to tie the score at 2-2 through just 23 minutes of action.
 
Hall scored the game-winner on her own in the 31^st minute to push the score to 3-2 and give the Cougars the hard fought victory.
 
Key to the win was a strong showing by the Cougar defense. Senior goalkeeper Grace Riker recorded nine saves in goal and the Griffins out-shot the Cougars 18-8 and held a 14-4 edge on penalty corners.
 
The Cougars have little time to celebrate the victory, as they host Virginia Wesleyan tomorrow at 1:00 PM.