LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University women's soccer team made an early goal by junior midfielder Audrey Van Der Elst stand up in a 1-0 victory Thursday over Centre in an exhibition at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.

In Bellarmine's first competitive action of the 2017 season, Van Der Elst scored in the 11th minute. She set up for a free kick from 18 yards out in the center of the field and managed to slot the ball inside the left post.

Bellarmine and Centre, two teams perennially in the mix for NCAA Tournament bids in DII and DIII, respectively, were competitive the rest of the way, with neither defense allowing clear looks at the goal. The Knights totaled eight shots, while the Colonels tallied five.

Bellarmine's defense limited Centre to two shots on goal. Both attempts were saved by senior goalkeeper Taylor Smith, who played the majority of the exhibition before giving way to freshman goalie Emma Veselsky.

Bellarmine Coach Chris Tinius substituted liberally, with 21 players accumulating 17 or more minutes.

"I thought that was a pretty good effort tonight," Tinius said. "The energy is still very good for this point in preseason. We did need to be more thoughtful with how to channel some of that energy in the attacking third to get more out of our possession. You can never go wrong with a shutout, and that's a good way to get things started."

Bellarmine scrimmages at 5 p.m. (ET) Saturday at Cedarville before opening the regular season Sept. 1 by hosting Kentucky Wesleyan.

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