HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – The chances were there for both teams, but it was a night when the defenses were just a little bit better than the offenses.

There were eight shots on goal and there were eight saves, as EMU and Greensboro played to a scoreless draw to open the 2026 season.

Records: EMU 0-0-1, 0-0 ODAC | Greensboro 0-0-1, 0-0 USA South

Highlights
• The Royals picked up the first shot on goal of the game in the 18th minute, after a Greensboro foul led to an EMU free kick. The ball found Bridget Hay, but her shot was saved by the Pride keeper, keeping the game scoreless.
• Just two minutes later, GC picked up their first shot on goal, but it was scooped up by CJ Jefferson. Jefferson added her second save in the 26th minute and Emma Swarm added a SOG for EMU in the 30th minute, but the teams went into the break scoreless.
• Hannah Kepler had back-to-back shots to start the second half, with the keeper stopping one and the other getting past the keeper but a defender was waiting to clear the threat.
• What may have been the play of the game came in the 79th minute. After an EMU turnover, the Pride took possession and got the ball down the field in a hurry. A pass found a streaking Trinity Robinson down the left side, who took the pass and fired a shot on goal. But Gabi Dewey, who came in at goal for EMU at the start of the second half, made a diving save to her left to turn away Robinson’s shot and keep GC off the board. Dewey came up with her second save in the final seconds of the match, while EMU was able to get one more shot on goal, off the foot of Hailey Walker, that was corralled by the Pride netminder.

Statistical Leaders
Saves: Jefferson, Dewey (2 apiece)
SOG: Kepler (2), Hay, Walker and Swarm (1)

What’s Next
EMU will hit the road for the first time in 2026 on Sunday, when they head up to PA for a matchup with Marywood University. Kickoff against the Pacers is set for noon.

— EMU Athletics —