Rocky Mount, N.C. - Junior Sarah Olsowski and senior Rebecca Staylor each netted goals on Friday afternoon to lead their N.C. Wesleyan women's soccer team to an impressive 2-1 victory over Averett University at Scalf Field. The Battling Bishops, who are off to the program's best start in over a decade, are now 5-2 on the season and remain undefeated at home.

Olsowskis's score came less than two minutes into the contest when she headed home a perfect cross from sophomore Logan Bill. The lead was shortlived, however, as the Cougars answered at the 12-minute mark with a goal by Charlotte Thibault. Annalies Jobsis was credited with an assist after her initial free kick hit the crossbar and found its way to Thibault's feet in the box.

The game seemed destined for overtime as both teams narrowly missed go-ahead opportunities. After seeing her previous three shots-on-goal saved by AU keeper Ashley Jones, Staylor would not be denied on her fourth attempt, blasting a 20-yard shot off the top crossbar and into the net at the 77:28 mark. Freshman Hannah Tolson assisted on the play that gave Wesleyan a 2-1 advantage.

The Cougars managed a pair of shots-on-goal in the final seven minutes, both saved by Bishop keeper Vanessa Batchelor who finished with four stops on the day. Jones recorded eight saves for the Cougars, as the Bishops out-shot AU 16-10 in the match.

Now 1-0 in the USA South, Wesleyan continues league play next Friday at home versus Maryville College. The match is slated for a 4:00pm start at Scalf Field.