Box Score LEXINGTON, VA --- The Howard women's soccer team saw its hopes for a season opening victory dashed as the Lady Bison dropped a 2-1 road decision to Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on Friday afternoon at Patchin Field.

The result was not indicative of the team's play, as the Lady Bison dominated on the offensive end. Howard (0-1) outshot VMI (1-0) 16-6 and had more shots on goal (7) than the Keydets (3).

"The ladies played well today, which makes the loss even tougher," said Howard head coach Brent Leiba. "I'm encouraged with what I saw - we just caught some bad breaks."

Senior midfielder Nia Walcott tied the contest with Howard's (0-1) lone goal in the 50th minute, a strike assisted by junior forward Nikanya Clark that hit the back of the net despite being deflected by VMI goalkeeper Sydnie Bligh.

VMI (1-0) opened up scoring in the 24th minute after the Keydets' Emma Quirk put a long cross from Kristen Whitehurst home with a right footed shot in the box.

The deciding goal came in the 73rd minute after a yellow card on senior defender Treschelle Gibson-Serrette led to a successful penalty kick opportunity for VMI's Allie Segura.

Senior goalkeeper Kyra Dickinson only faced three shots on goal all game, saving the one other shot that didn't pass her.

HU will look to bounce back when they play their home opener on Friday, August 29 against UMBC. First kick is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Greene Stadium.

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