Baltimore, Md. (Aug. 23, 2013) – Emma Blair's strike from 18 yards out in the 29th minute was all the offense the Mount St. Mary's women's soccer team needed to earn a 1-0 road victory over UMBC on Friday night at Retriever Soccer Park in Baltimore, Md.

The Mount (1-0) was able to take the lead in the first half when Julia DiGiacomo received the ball at the penalty spot and found Blair at the top of the penalty box. In full stride, Blair one-timed the shot past a diving UMBC goalkeeper, Lauren Kadet, to the bottom left-hand corner of the net to take a 1-0 advantage 28:42 into the first half. It was Blair's first career goal.

Rachel Bourne stopped one UMBC (0-1) shot in the first half before giving way to Vicky Cocozza, who made three second-half saves to combine for the shutout.

Senior Jackie Corley, who led the Mountaineers with four shots on the night, attempted to jumpstart the Mount's offense just 2:30 into the game, but her shot attempt from 18 yards out went wide left.

UMBC had its chances in the first half when Destinee Morris fired shots wide left just over three minutes into the game and another one from 25 yards out that was corralled by Bourne.

Junior Alicia Mirando had a golden opportunity to put the Mountaineers on the board in the 10th minute, but her breakaway was turned away by Kadet, who made six saves on the day. 

Following Blair's goal, UMBC's Morris took two shots in the final 15 minutes of the half trying to even the score at 1-1, but one sailed over the crossbar and another went wide left. Despite being outshot by a 7-4 margin in the opening 45 minutes, the Mount took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Mirando had the Mount's first opportunity of the second half with a shot from the right-hand side of the box that went far left 11 minutes into the second half.

Corley and Sam Manson took shots in the 61st and 63rd minutes, respectively, but Kadet was able to make saves on both occasions.

UMBC's Amira Walcott shot from 23 yards out with just over seven minutes remaining in the game was knocked down by Cocozza, and she was able to pick up the rebound to the keep the Retrievers off the board.

The Retrievers picked up their final chance with six minutes to go, but Amanda Dailey's opportunity was off target to the right. The Mount put seven of its 11 shots on target, while the Retrievers had four shots on target in 12 attempts.

The Mount will make its 2013 home debut on Sunday, Aug. 25, at noon against Bucknell at Waldron Family Stadium.

NOTES: The Mount recorded three shutouts last season... The Mount improves to 2-11 in the all-time series against UMBC… In season openers under Tom Gosselin, the Mount improved to 3-4… All-time, the Mount is now 4-18 in season openers.