Asbury couldn't find the back of the net as Spring Arbor defeated the Eagles in the season opener 2-0 Monday. The Cougars used a counter attack in the 12th minute to score first with Ali Nichols beating Asbury keeper Melanie Dickson after a pass ahead from Jessica Clarke.
Asbury came out firing in the first 10 minutes of the game getting off three shots but that left the door open for Spring Arbor's counter. Asbury struggled the rest of the half as the Cougars out-shot the Eagles 7-5 after the goal. Freshmen keeper Melanie Dickson kept the Cougars off the scoreboard for the rest of the half with four saves. SAU's attack would again prove too much in the second half as Heidi Sharp tallied the final goal in the 55th minute.
Asbury was out-shot 27-12 for the game and had to play most of the game inside its own half. The Cougars continued to pressure the Eagles who eventually were worn down. Asbury had seven players play more than 80 minutes and only used two subs. Spring Arbor only had four players reach the 80-inute mark and used seven subs.
