LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A tough-luck own goal early in the Bellarmine University women's soccer team's Thursday match with FGCU was ultimately the difference in the Eagles' 1-0 win in ASUN action.

The own goal came just 1:54 into the contest between FGCU (9-5-3, 6-1-2 ASUN) and Bellarmine (4-7-5, 1-5-3). The Eagles' Kendal Gargiula had a shot inside the 6 carom off the right post, hit off a Knights defender a few feet in front of the goal and deflect back into the net.

The own goal would stand as the only scoring in the match, but both teams had plenty of opportunities. Sophomore forward Clara Spurlock had a 1v1 with FGCU goalkeeper Olivia Molina as early as the ninth minute.

Molina made the stop and also came up big on particularly dangerous chances by freshman forward Rachel Skyberg and junior midfielder Emma Nicholson, as the Knights threatened but could never quite find the equalizer. Molina registered seven saves for FGCU, which is tied for second in the ASUN.

Although she's now played in 12 games, freshman Shelby Smith made her first career start in goal for Bellarmine. Like Molina, Smith was highly active, corralling six saves on the night.

FGCU finished with a slight 15-14 edge in shots, but the Knights had a thin 7-6 advantage on frame. Both teams had seven shots in the first half, and the Eagles had only one more (8-7) after the break as both defenses proved sturdy.

Bellarmine will host Stetson at 1 p.m. (ET) Sunday.

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