GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- A goal in the fifth minute from Alexis Lewis stood up as the game-winner as the University of West Georgia defeated Tusculum College 1-0 in non-conference women's soccer action Sunday afternoon at Pioneer Field.

The Wolves (1-1-0) withstood a late push from the Pioneers (1-1-0), who nearly tied the game as time expired when a long-range shot crossed the line, but after the final horn.

On a warm afternoon that saw the teams called to the sidelines midway through each half for a water break, the heat carried over onto the field as West Georgia and Tusculum were whistled for a combined 30 fouls and six cards.

Lewis' goal came on the first shot of the game, as she took a long service from Tyler Johnson and beat Pioneer keeper Miriah Martin to the high side at 4:13 for her first goal of the season. Tusculum had two solid scoring chances in the first half, as Nyssa Garrison was smothered on an attempt by Wolves keeper Morgan Springer in the 16th minute and Sonja Ballmert headed a corner kick high and wide in the 39th minute.

Trailing 1-0, Tusculum turned up the pressure in the second half and nearly cashed in as a free kick from Olivia Kilgore was fumbled by Springer in the box, which allowed Carlie Thornber to have a shot that caromed away off several West Georgia defenders in the 79th minute.

With time running out, the Pioneers gained possession in their own end and fired a long pass to Katja Andersson just past midfield. Her desperation shot sailed over Springer, off the far post and into the net with no time left on the clock. However, it was ruled that time had expired just after the ball had been kicked and the Wolves walked off with the victory.

Tusculum finished the match with an 11-9 shot advantage over West Georgia, and a 2-1 edge in corner kicks. Martin had three saves in goal for the Pioneers, while Springer came up with a pair of stops for the Wolves.

The Pioneers will be back home Wednesday night at 7 p.m. against King University at Pioneer Field.