On a beautiful, sunny Labor Day, the University of Redlands women's soccer team battled it out with the Eagles of Emory University (GA) on Farquhar Field in the Bulldogs' first home game of the season.

Bulldog defenders set the tone early by making some phenomenal stops and running them up the sideline to create scoring opportunities. Led by seniors Faith Campbell (Bainbridge Island, WA) and Sammie Burghardt (Gig Harbor, WA), juniors Erin Schlosser (Sammamish, WA) and Shayla Funk (Fremont, CA), the Eagles had a hard time keeping possession in Redlands territory throughout the first frame.

However, Emory forward Caroline Kolski connected with midfielder Annie Gurney for the first score of the game in the 24th minute.

Two minutes later, Emory had another scoring chance with back-to-back blasts, but Schlosser and sophomore defender Louisa Alstot (Portland, OR) provided great defensive support by blocking the attempts. In addition, Redlands junior goalkeeper Hannah Menk (Pleasanton, CA) stepped up against the visitors' offensive pressure and recorded five saves in the first half alone.

During the second stanza, Redlands worked its way to the corners due to the speed and fancy footwork of freshman midfielder Alexa Glick (Boise, ID). Junior forward Hayley Romo (Port Orchard, WA) also made some great runs toward the Eagle goal but to no avail.

Despite Menk's four huge saves in the final 45 minutes, Emory put two more through the pipes before the final buzzer, resulting in the Bulldogs' first loss of the season.

Redlands (1-1-0) strives to bounce back on Wednesday, September 7, when it hosts the Warriors of Westmont College at Farquhar Field.