BRADFORD, Pa. -- With a goal in the second half, Houghton came out on top over the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's soccer team, 1-0, in its home opener Wednesday evening.

"We played well, and I appreciated the effort from the girls all the way until the end," Head Coach Melissa Lincoln said. "Houghton is a strong team and came ready to play. We battled hard with them, but unfortunately couldn't get a goal."

Offense came at a premium in the first half as both teams occupied the middle part of the field for most of the half. Houghton and Pitt-Bradford combined for just five shots during the half.

Houghton scored its goal at the 69-minute mark, breaking the scoreless tie.

The Panthers responded with a chance of their own later in the half.

In open space, Courtney Shade broke down the left sideline and made her way deep into Highlander territory. She then crossed the ball on the ground to her teammate in front of the net, but a Houghton defender came from behind and slid into the ball, knocking it out of bounds and neutralizing the Pitt-Bradford threat.

Houghton controlled possession much of the rest of the half and held on for the victory.

Sarah Dailey made seven saves in goal for the Panthers.

Kaitlyn Donnelly and Abby Celesky both put shots on goal for the Panthers.

The Panthers will be in action next as they travel to Geneva on Friday before returning to the Kessel Athletics Complex on Tuesday to face St. Vincent.