COLUMBUS, Ga. — The 10th-ranked Bellarmine University women's soccer team showed off a variety of new offensive weapons in its season opener. However, on Sunday in its final match of the Columbus State (Ga.) University Invitational, the Knights used their old-fashioned formula to achieve success.

The Knights played unyielding defense and that familiar combination of senior midfielder Lauren Holder assisting to senior forward Mary Beth Gorham provided all the offense Bellarmine required in a 1-0 victory over Lee at the Walden Soccer Complex.

In Bellarmine (2-0) and Lee (0-1-1), the match pitted two 2015 DII NCAA Tournament teams against each other. In addition, the Knights were tabbed as the favorite to win the Great Lakes Valley Conference, while the Flames received the same recognition from the Gulf South Conference's coaches.

As expected, it was a tighter affair than the Knights' 3-1 season-opening win over Lincoln Memorial, as senior goalkeeper Hannah Poteet (three saves) moved into sole possession of second place on the career shutouts list with 15. Amy Kunowski piled up 35 from 2009-12.

"We beat a good, organized, disciplined team today that's going to win a lot of games once they are completely healthy," Bellarmine Coach Chris Tinius said. "I thought when we were organized and defended the way we wanted to, we created some things in transition and scored a good goal. They had good strings of possession, but for the most part we minimized the quality of their chances."

Bellarmine scored its goal in the 28th minute of the first half. Holder located Gorham, who ripped the ball past the Lee keeper for a 1-0 lead that would stand. Gorham collected the game-winning goal in both of the Knights' two victories. Holder has already pocketed three assists.

Gorham has now tied Jaime Halas for the career points record with 89. The All-American is one score away from tying Halas' career goals record of 39. Holder, meanwhile, is one assist shy of MacKenzie Prather's career record of 16.

Bellarmine owned an 11-4 superiority in shots, including 4-3 on frame. The Knights were assertive defensively and in their possession game from the get-go, not allowing a single shot in the first half. They had four attempts before the intermission — including Gorham's winner — and seven after the break.

"Overall, it was a good trip," Tinius said. "We got two wins but, at the same time, hopefully had our eyes opened to things that need to be fixed moving forward. It was fun to be a part of an event with a quality facility and field of teams in a little different environment than what we're used to."

Bellarmine next opens GLVC play by hosting Maryville at 3:55 p.m. (ET) Friday.

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights) and Facebook (BUKnights).

BOX SCORE (HTM)