BOX SCORE

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – Marshall scored the game's only goal in the 78th minute as the Thundering Herd held off the Radford women's soccer team, 1-0, in the opening round of the Best Western Huntington Mall Invitational at Sam Hood Field on Friday evening.

The setback was the first of the season for the Highlanders, who drop to 2-1-0, while host Marshall improved to 1-1-2.

The game's only goal came when a Megan Tabler flip throw-in was punched up by Radford keeper Che' Brown and gathered by the Herd's Erin Blakely, who lofted a shot over Brown's head for the difference maker.

Marshall finished with a 12-4 advantage in shots and edged the Highlanders 4-2 in corner kicks.

Brown recorded a game-high five saves, while Lindsey Kerns had three for Marshall.

Radford's best chance came in the closing minutes when Marshall goalkeeper Kerns got caught out of the net after a turnover in the 88th minute. Mary Wiley collected the loose ball, sending a pass to the front of the goal.  Kerns recovered to dive on the ball and preserve the win for the Herd.

The Highlanders will face first-time opponent Iona in their second match of the Best Western Huntington Mall Invitational on Sunday at noon.