PINEVILLE, N.C. --- Sharon Mayes scored in the 72nd minute to give Catawba College a 1-0 victory over Tusculum University in non-conference women's soccer action Friday night at the CSA OrthoCarolina SportsPlex.

The Pioneers (0-1-0), playing their first game since November, 2019, were outshot 23-6 but were kept in the game by the play of goalkeeper Cece Mortensen, who finished with nine saves including a first-half penalty kick.

The Indians (1-0-0) were able to protect the lead following Mayes' goal, holding the Pioneers without a shot for the final 17 1/2 minutes. Catawba keeper Sierra Davis made three saves to earn the clean sheet.

Friday's game between the Pioneers and Indians was considered a non-conference contest since all 12 SAC teams will play a round-robin league schedule against three designated conference opponents.

Catawba had the game's first nine shot attempts, including four that were on target, until Tusculum got its first shot from Tina Haig in the 22nd minute. At 24:10, Catawba was awarded a penalty kick but Jovana Sanchez was stopped by Mortensen on the penalty and the rebound attempt.

Tusculum's first shot on goal came from Chelsea Sheerin in the 27th minute, and Haig put one on target in the 42nd minute but both attempts were rebuffed by Davis. Catawba outshot Tusculum 15-3 in the first half, with Mortensen making eight saves.

Catawba continued to apply pressure in the second half and was rewarded with 18:30 remaining as Mayes found a loose ball in the box and beat Mortensen. Tusculum took its final shot attempt less than a minute after Catawba took the lead, but Davis was equal on an attempt from the Pioneers' Jamila Thombs.

The Indians finished the game with a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks, while Catawba was whistled for 16 fouls to 12 by the Pioneers.

Tusculum will play its South Atlantic Conference opener on Thursday, Feb. 25 at Pioneer Field against Mars Hill, beginning at 5 p.m.