Box Score MACON, Ga.- The Georgia Southern women's soccer team battled it out with Mercer on Sunday night at the Bear's home field, dropping a 3-2 result.

Head Coach Brian Dunleavy stated, "We did well tonight. We came out attacking, and were successful with two early goals. I'm really proud of the way they fought with 100 percent effort the entire ninety minutes."

The Eagles were without starting goalkeeper Heather Kirkover. Senior midfielder Alanna Rudd was drafted to play between the pipes for Georgia Southern as Rudd made her first collegiate appearance in goal.

The Eagles came out strong scoring two goals in the first half. Freshman Jennifer Wittick lofted a shot over the keeper's head, securing the first goal of the evening just before the 18 minute mark.

Abria Allen  put the Eagles up 2-0 on 29 minutes with a volley shot off an assist by senior Alex Murphy.

The Bears quickly retaliated scoring at 33 minutes and again at 37 minutes, leaving the score tied 2-2 at the half.

Mercer Bears scored the game-winning goal at 46 minutes, barely slipping it by Rudd. She tallied eleven saves in her first time on goal. That tally ties for seventh-most in program history.

The Eagles continued to compete throughout the second half, but were unable to tie up the game.

"Renee Nance played outstanding, along with Alex Murphy," said Dunleavy. "Overall I'm pleased with the way we played tonight. We didn't let ourselves get intimidated by this team."

Georgia Southern opens SoCon play this friday with a trip to Samford. The Eagles continue the wekeend on the road with a Sunday match against Chattanooga.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics and twitter.com/GSAthletics, and its new "Eagles GATA" mobile app for Android and iOS.