FLORENCE -- Senior Chloe Richards scored on a header in overtime to lift the University of North Alabama women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Belmont Abbey in the home opener for the Lions.

The Lions and Crusaders battled to a scoreless tie through 90 minutes of regulation play but UNA finally got on the board when Alyssa Bova blasted a ball into the box from the right side and Richards put her head on it and put the ball in the net for the win.

It was Richards second goal of the season and her 43rd career goal with the Lions.

UNA outshot Belmony Abbey 19 to 9 and had seven shots on goal. Ricards had 13 of those shots.

UNA goalkeeper Shelby Thornton recorded four saves to get her first shutout.

The Lions travel to play Nova Southeastern on September 11.


Eleanor Costello fights for the ball


Chloe Richards on a free kick


Chloe Richards blasts a second half shot

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH ROMANS