The Susquehanna University Women's Soccer team held a commanding 22-3 edge in shots and had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks but the River Hawks scored the only goal of the game early in the second half and escaped with a 1-0 win over Lycoming College Friday night in the 2018 season opener on Sassafras Field in Selinsgrove.

The win over Lycoming (0-1) earned the River Hawks (1-0) the River Derby Cup for the fifth consecutive season as they battle for possession of the cup on an annual basis.

After a scoreless first half with Susquehanna holding a 14-0 shots lead, Kate Cantrell broke the tie as she finished a pass from Emily Lefkowitz in the 49th minute for the only goal of the game.

Shortly after, Susquehanna had a goal called back due to a hand ball call.

The River Hawks found themselves in a battle in the closing minutes but took possession with less than two minutes to play and maintained possession for the final minutes to hang on for the victory.

Madison Welliver made her first career start for the River Hawks after transferring from Lycoming over the summer. The sophomore made several solid plays to intercept passing attempts in the box but was not credited with a save on the night.

The River Hawks will play their second game in as many day as they host Muhlenberg Saturday afternoon with a 5 p.m. start on Sassafras Field.