BECKLEY, WV -- The Asbury University women's soccer team fell in their River States Conference opener at West Virginia Tech on Thursday evening by a score of 1-0. With the loss, the Eagles begin conference play 0-1. 

AU will play at Rio Grande on Saturday for their second River States Conference match. 

A sequence of back-to-back shots from Janelle Hibshman and Paige Miller nearly put the Eagles on the board first early on in the opening half, but both shots were saved. 

West Virginia Tech scored the only goal of the match in the 18th minute on a header off of a corner kick. 

The Golden Bears led 1-0 at the break. 

In the second half, Asbury continued to chip away on offense and create opportunities to score. Shots from Sarah Rocco, Jenna Russell, and Delaney Long were all saved by WVU Tech's keeper to keep Golden Bears ahead 1-0.

Elizabeth Sparks recorded two shots later on in the half, but once again, both of her shot attempts were saved by WVU Tech. 

The Eagles had one last look in the final seconds to tie the match, but Cam Davis' shot with four seconds remaining was also saved.  

AU held the edge in corner kicks at 4-2.  

Asbury posted nine shots on Thursday, eight of which landed on-goal, but were unable to punch in a goal to tie the contest. Sparks and Hibshman led the Eagles with two shots on-goal apiece.

Carley Pyles notched four saves at goalie.