SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The defending NAIA national champion SCAD women's soccer team opened its 2025 season in convincing fashion, defeating Spartanburg Methodist 2-0 on the road Friday afternoon. 

The No. 1-ranked Bees controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the Pioneers 23-0 and forcing goalkeeper Ava Wilson into 12 saves. Despite SCAD's dominance in possession and chance creation, Wilson's sharp play in goal kept the game scoreless through the opening half. 

The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute when forward Mia Gomez, typically the one finishing chances, turned provider. She slipped a pass through the defense to Hannah Burchfield, who calmly pushed her shot under the oncoming keeper's arm to give SCAD the lead. 

The Bees struck again in the 83rd minute when Lovisa Henell unleashed a half-volley from the top of the box, placing it perfectly beyond Wilson's reach to double the advantage and secure the victory. 

A key storyline of the opener was SCAD's depth. The coaching staff gave many new players their first minutes in a Bees uniform. That constant wave of fresh legs and attacking talent wore down Spartanburg Methodist's defense, which faced relentless pressure for the full 90 minutes. By the closing stages, SCAD's energy and variety in attack proved too much for the Pioneers to contain. 

While the spotlight shone on the offense, the back line and goalkeeper Saga Bryntesson delivered a flawless performance of their own. SCAD's defense held Spartanburg without a single shot, giving Bryntesson a clean sheet without needing to make a save. 

With the victory, SCAD improves to 1-0 on the season The Bees are back in action on Monday, traveling to face West Virginia Institute of Technology.