NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 1, Huntingdon 0
Records: Piedmont, 2-2 (1-0 USA South); Huntingdon, 0-1 (0-1 USA South)

DEMOREST, Ga. - CASSIE KIRK's early second half goal lifted the Piedmont women's soccer team past Huntingdon, 1-0, in its USA South and home opener on a chilly Saturday evening at the Walker Athletic Complex.

Competing on its home field for the first time since October of 2019, the Lady Lions (2-2, 1-0 USA South) used a stifling defense and Kirk's timely goal to start conference play with a victory.

Throughout the night, Piedmont controlled possession and dominated the shot count, 16-3, while holding a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Defense was the story of the first half, with neither side able to generate much in the way of offense. The Lady Lions held a 5-2 edge in shots while each goalkeeper made one save apiece.

However, it did not take long for the Lady Lions to strike in the second.

In the 48th minute, Kirk found a clean look off a blocked shot and curled one in past the keeper and off the far post to the back of the net.

The senior from Mims, Florida now leads the team with two goals on the season.

Piedmont's defense was even tighter in the second half, allowing just one Huntingdon (0-1, 0-1 USA South) shot.

After the early second half goal from Kirk, Piedmont continued to control play as its back line quickly erased any chances from the Hawks.

Up next, the Lady Lions will be right back at it as they host Birmingham-Southern tomorrow at 2 p.m. for a Valentine's Day tilt at the Walker Athletic Complex.

TURNING POINT:
- Kirk's 48th minute goal proved to be all PC needed as it marked her second game-winning goal of the season and fourth of her outstanding career.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- In Head Coach Timmy McCormack's fourth season at the helm, Piedmont has now won its USA South opener in all four seasons under his leadership.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.