NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's soccer team held off host Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University 1-0 in the first round of the Nazarene Classic on Friday evening at the TNU Soccer Complex.

The host Lady Trojans (0-1) had the early advantage in the first half as they out-shot the Lady Cougars 6-4 with a great opportunity in the 27th minute by Ashley Bush that was saved by MVNU sophomore goalie Eleni Miller.

Then, in the 35th minute, junior defender Jackie Mourne found the back of the net with a shot from 30 yards out that went over Trevecca Nazarene goalkeeper Bekah Headrick and into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead for the Lady Cougars (1-1).  The goal was the first of Mourne's three-year career.

That would prove to be all the scoring in the match even though both teams had opportunities in the second half when MVNU out-shot the Lady Trojans 7-6.  Trevecca Nazarene finished with a 12-11 lead in shots for the game and a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.  Miller stopped all four shots on goal in posting her first shutout of the year, while Headrick stopped two shots.  The Lady Cougars also held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

"(Trevecca) came out and was very organized and played a style that was very physical, and it took us out of our game for a little bit at the start," said MVNU head coach Daniel Seiffert.  "However, I was very proud of our girls' resilience as they held their composure and stayed organized and moved the ball a little bit.  The defense did a really nice job to post the shutout."

"It's nice when you don't play your best game, but still get a result that you like," Seiffert added.  "We have a short turnaround time to work on the things that we need to improve on before facing a tough Olivet Nazarene team tomorrow.  It should be a great match and our mettle will be tested."

MVNU will now advance to the championship match of the Nazarene Classic on Saturday at 5 p.m. where the Lady Cougars will face Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University.  The Lady Tigers (1-0), who are ranked No. 8 in the NAIA preseason poll, advanced by blanking Southern Nazarene (Okla.) University 2-0 in Friday's other first round action.