Spartanburg, S.C. -- The USCB women's soccer team opened their season under the lights at County Stadium against NCAA Division I USC Upstate, where they suffered a 0-4 defeat.

As in most first games of a season, it took about ten minutes for both sides to calm their nerves and find a groove. The Spartans found their way to the scoreboard in the 15th minute of the match when midfielder Abbie Ellis found Isabella Burns on a through ball down the left side and made no mistake in tucking it inside the far post.

The Sand Sharks battled back and forced the Spartans to tighten their defense as USCB applied the pressure after giving up the early goal. Upstate held firm and found themselves the beneficiary of a direct kick off the right corner of the box in the 26th minute. Midfielder Ellis was back on the scoresheet, but this time with an unassisted goal to the near post.

USCB was able to put several more offensive attacks together, but the 0-2 deficit held for the remainder of the first half.

The second half started with both sides exchanging early blows, but it was the Spartans who were able to tally another goal. Forward Montanna Hill was the recipient of another Ellis assist--this time slipping the ball into HIll who found herself one-on-one with goalkeeper Logan Leask.

The fourth goal came from a direct kick in the 63rd minute that Ellis converted from outside the top of the box.

After the game, coach Jay Harris said, "We knew this wasn't going to be an easy game to start our season, and we didn't make it any easier on ourselves by making some simple errors in transition and in the middle of the park. By playing these tough teams, though, we are going to be better prepared for Conference play later in the season."

On the day Leask collected 8 saves while facing 22 shots.

For more from after the game, check out Coach Harris' thoughts here: