NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 1, SCAD Savannah 1
Records: Life U, 0-0-1; SCAD Savannah, 0-1-1
HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — The Life University Women's Soccer team opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against SCAD Savannah on Sunday evening at the SCAD Athletic Complex. Facing a Bees squad receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Running Eagles battled back from a late deficit to earn a result on the road in their season opener.
The opening half featured chances on both ends of the pitch as neither side could find the breakthrough. SCAD generated pressure early, but goalkeeper Elora Niederpruem stood tall, recording five first-half saves to keep the match scoreless. On the other end, Louise Martineau consistently threatened the Bees defense and nearly gave Life U the lead, while Phoenix Parks rattled the crossbar late in the half.
Life U continued to press after the break and came inches away from opening the scoring midway through the second half when Victoria Valles struck the crossbar. Despite creating quality chances throughout the contest, the Running Eagles were unable to find the opening goal.
SCAD broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, converting on a corner kick opportunity to take a 1-0 advantage.
Trailing late, Life U continued to push numbers forward in search of an equalizer. The persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute when a determined run from Marey Helgadottir created a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area. Martineau pounced on the opportunity, firing a spectacular first-time strike into the upper-right corner to level the match at 1-1.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing moments as the Running Eagles secured a positive road result against a nationally respected opponent to begin the 2026 campaign.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U outshot SCAD Savannah 14-10 in the contest.
--The Running Eagles placed seven shots on goal.
--Louise Martineau led all players with six shots and four shots on goal.
--Elora Niederpruem recorded six saves in her season debut.
--Life U hit the crossbar twice during the match.
TURNING POINT:
--Louise Martineau's spectacular 88th-minute equalizer erased a late deficit and earned the Running Eagles a draw in their season opener.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Louise Martineau scored the first goal of the season for Life U and finished with a game-high six shots.
--Elora Niederpruem made six saves, including five in the first half, to keep the match level.
--Marey Helgadottir's defensive pressure helped create the sequence that led to the game-tying goal.
--Victoria Valles and Phoenix Parks each struck the crossbar as the Running Eagles repeatedly threatened the SCAD goal.
