NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 1, N.C. Wesleyan 0
Records: Piedmont, 4-0; N.C. Wesleyan, 0-1-1

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The perfect season opening weekend continued for Piedmont women's soccer with a 1-0 Labor Day road victory at N.C. Wesleyan.

In the most closely contested matchup of the weekend, the Lions emerged victorious thanks to a late game winner by senior Peyton Gates, who found the back of the net in the 76th minute.

From there, Piedmont's stifling defense kept the Battling Bishops at bay, closing out the fourth consecutive win in four days on the road trip.

N.C. Wesleyan played lockdown defense throughout the first half, holding Piedmont without a single shot while taking five itself.

However, Piedmont goalkeeper Maggie Leger was up to the task, playing all 90 minutes in goal and totaling four saves in the win.

The second half saw play tilted more toward the Lions, as they out shot the Battling Bishops 5-1 with Gates eventually breaking through with the only goal of the contest.

This marks Piedmont's first 4-0 start since the 2015 season, a year in which the Lions ended up going 20-2-1 and winning the USA South Conference Tournament.

Up next, the Lions will make their home debut with two contests over the weekend, first hosting local rival Oglethorpe this Friday, September 5 at 7 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Gates' 76th minute goal proved to be the difference in the 1-0 victory for the Lions.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Leger stood tall in goal, making four saves in the shutout win for the senior.
- Gates has dished out five assists over the last two seasons, but her game winner Monday marked her first goal since her freshman season in 2022.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- Piedmont outscored its opponents 21-2 over the four games to start the season.
- 14 different players scored over the four game road trip.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on X @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.