VALPARAISO, Ind. - The Belmont women's soccer team opened the 2014 campaign with a win on the road Friday night thanks to newcomer Belicia Mendiola.  The Bruins (1-0) defeated Valparaiso (0-1), 2-1.

Mendiola netted both of Belmont's goals in her collegiate debut.  Classmate Tara Austin assisted on the first goal of the night just five minutes into the second stanza.  The Crusaders bounced back with an equalizer goal 11 minutes later.   The teams remained stalemated until the final two minutes when Mendiola found the back of the net again unassisted to secure the win for BU.

Junior Lindsey Espe went the distance between the posts and collected four saves on the night.

"I am very proud of the ladies for tonight's game. We played together and improved as the game went on," said Head Coach Heather Henson. "Valpo is a good solid team they compact space defensively well and are active in their attack. I was proud of how our ladies responded to a long road game. It is always nice to get a win to start the season and it being a road game."