AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's soccer team got their 2018 season off to a winning start on Saturday afternoon, as the Gyrenes claimed a 2-1 victory over Trinity Baptist College. The win snapped a 16-match winless streak for AMU, and was Ave's first win in a season opener since a 2-0 triumph over Trinity Baptist in 2015.

The Gyrenes were forced to come from behind on Saturday, as the Eagles struck first in the sixth minute. Kiley Sanders tucked one inside the post to put the Eagles up 1-0 on what would prove to be one of only three shots on the match for Trinity Baptist, and the only shot on goal.

Just over 12 minutes later, the Gyrenes evened the match on a goal from Sarah McBride. The senior logged her 12th career goal, and her first since the 2016 season, in the 19th minute, putting a rocket past the TBC goalkeeper. Neither team would score in the final 25 minutes of the first half, leaving the match tied at one at halftime.

In the second half, a bizarre goal from another senior allowed the Gyrenes to net the game-winner. In the 77th minute, the Trinity Baptist goalkeeper allowed a long AMU cross to roll through her legs, and Bernadette Hartney was there to put the ball in the back of the net. The game-winner was Hartney's first career goal in her 41st match in a Gyrene uniform.

Ave Maria completely dominated the contest in every facet except the final score. The Gyrenes took 24 shots to only three for the Eagles, and put 12 of those shots on goal. Ave Maria also had five opportunities to score on corner kicks. The match was cleanly played, with neither team earning a card of any kind.

Saturday's match was the first in a stretch of six in 13 days for the Gyrenes, which will lead directly into Sun Conference action. The Gyrenes will head on the road on Tuesday night for a matchup with Florida Memorial University. Kickoff in Miami Gardens is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.