CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — The beginning of conference play resembled the entirety of nonconference play for the Bellarmine University women's soccer team.

Senior forward Lucy von Stefenelli tallied a pair of first-half goals as the Knights opened Atlantic Sun Conference action with a 2-1 road win over Austin Peay on Thursday at Morgan Brothers Field.

Bellarmine (7-0-2, 1-0 ASUN) built on a pair of Division I-era program records by winning for the seventh time and running its unbeaten streak to nine games. It was also the Knights' first official victory over Austin Peay (0-6-3, 0-1) in the D1 era, although they did triumph in a PK shootout over the Governors in the first round of the ASUN Tournament last season.

Bellarmine, which improved to 5-0 on the road, struck almost immediately. Less than two minutes into the contest, sophomore midfielder Aubrey Bally made a deft cross from near the end line to von Stefenelli on the back post leading to a header goal.

Austin Peay had yet to score a goal this season, but that changed in the 24th minute after Bellarmine committed a foul just outside the box. Vivian Burke ripped in the equalizer off a free kick.

Bellarmine answered in the 36th minute when sophomore midfielder Brynn Severance was fouled in the box, and von Stefenelli capitalized by drilling the ensuing PK. With the brace, von Stefenelli has notched five goals this season.

With about nine minutes left in the first half, redshirt freshman goalkeeper Anna Jenkins made a diving stop on an open shot from 15 yards. In the second half, redshirt senior defender Sidney Rigsby closed strong to combat what initially looked like might develop into a 1v1.

Those two moments were perhaps the most tense in regard to Austin Peay potentially equalizing again. The Knights have not conceded more than one goal in a game this season.

Bellarmine will play at 2 p.m. (ET) Sunday at Lipscomb.

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