CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri Women's Soccer (0-1-0) scored three goals in the season opener but fell to Evansville (1-0-0) by a final score of 4-3 at Houck Field on Thursday night. 
 
The first half kicked off with Evansville's Elke Travis making early saves against Southeast Missouri State's offensive efforts, but it was the Redhawks who took an early lead with a goal by junior midfielder Justi Nelson in the eighth minute. 
 
Evansville's Taylor Johnson persistently tested the home team's defense with multiple shots on goal, ultimately leading to Taylor Wehrer's equalizing goal in the 32nd minute. 
 
SEMO regained the lead in the 40th minute off a goal from freshman Amelia Lawrence, but UE's Isabel Valdez quickly responded with a tying goal in the 41st minute, concluding the first half with a 2-2 scoreline.
 
Evansville regained the lead early in the second half with a goal by Emmy Brenner in the 52nd minute, assisted by Johnson, pushing the visitors ahead 3-2. 
 
The Redhawks would tie it in the 77th minute off Nelson's second goal of the night to make it 3-3. For Nelson, the goal doubled her goal total from a season ago. 
 
Evansville regained the lead when Johnson scored in the 84th minute, with an assist from Brooklyn Robinson, making it 4-3. Evansville would hold on to secure the victory on Thursday night. 
 
The Redhawks finished the match with 10 total shots, including six on target. Nelson led the way with three total shots, followed by Hayley Hogenmiller (2), and Amelia Lawrence (2). 
 
Eight Redhawks made their SEMO debut on Thursday night including Hogenmmiller, Lawrence, Riley Henderson, Alyssa Schulte, Emma Cloud, Maya Domian, Rachel Kretzer, and Zerina Markovic. 
 
Looking ahead, the Redhawks will travel to Nashville, Tenn., to face Belmont on August 17. The match is set for 6 p.m.
 
Game Notes:
- Head Coach John Klein's made his season debut on the sideline in his first game as head coach of the SEMO Women's Soccer team.