MACON, Ga. - Georgia Southern redshirt freshman Elis Nemtsov drew a penalty kick in the 83rd minute and graduate student Marcela Montoya converted from the spot to give the Eagles a 1-0 women's soccer victory over host Mercer on Sunday evening at Betts Field.

The win continues Georgia Southern's best start since 2014 as the Eagles improve to 5-2-1 on the year with the victory between the two oldest DI women's soccer programs in the state of Georgia. Mercer, who had won five of the last six meetings between the two schools before tonight, falls to 2-3-1.

Mercer held a healthy 14-4 edge in shots in the first half, but Georgia Southern freshman goalkeeper Michaela English made five saves before the break to keep the match scoreless.

In the second half, possession was much more even between the two teams, and each team had chances from set pieces. The match was decided in the 83rd minute as Nemtsov received the ball just inside the top of the box. As she made her turn, she was taken down, and the penalty was awarded.

Montoya beat Mercer goalkeeper Jordyn Ebert left for her sixth goal of the season and her third match-winner of the campaign. The Eagles then limited the Bears to just one shot over the final seven and a half minutes to claim the victory.

"Tonight was a hostile environment," Georgia Southern Head Women's Soccer Coach Chris Adams said. "At the end of the first half, we got a little bit rattled. We weren't as precise with our passes in the first half. We weren't thinking ahead, weren't leading teammates in a positive direction away from pressure. But in the second half, we decided that we were going to have to match their intensity and win more of the 50-50 balls. As a result we played a lot more in their end, and when you do that long enough, putting them under pressure, you're going to find the breakthrough. It was a really good result, and we exhibited really good togetherness in that hostile environment."

Mercer finished the match with a 21-10 edge in shots. English finished with eight saves in recording her third shutout of the season, while Ebert ended up with five saves for the Bears. Mercer had seven corner kicks, compared to five for the Eagles. Georgia Southern was whistled for 12 fouls and two offsides, with Mercer committing nine fouls and one offsides.

Georgia Southern opens up Sun Belt Conference action next, hosting Appalachian State on Thursday, September 16, at 5 p.m. at Eagle Field.