WASHINGTON, D.C.- Sophomore Rachael Lee struck for the game's only goal in the first minute of overtime, as Howard took a season-opening victory over VMI in non-conference women's soccer action at Greene Stadium on Friday evening.

The Bison (1-0) were out-shot in the contest by a 17-10 margin, but saw Jessamyn Perkins make six saves to shutout the visiting Keydets (0-1). Sophomore keeper Heidi Beemer made three saves in goal for VMI.

“In the first half, there was a lot of back-and-forth play, and neither team could find any tempo,” said VMI head coach Bryan Williams. “In the second half, we moved Megan Strand up top and had some good opportunities. We kept putting good balls right across the goal, but just couldn't finish them. I still felt good going into overtime because we were controlling the game, but they got a breakaway early on, and that was it.”

Senior Megan Strand paced the Keydet attack with a game-high six shots, including four on goal. Her sister, Sarah Strand, chipped in with three shots for VMI, as did sophomore Carolyn Kenaley. After holding a 9-6 advantage in shots in the first half, the Keydets dominated the second half in the category, out-shooting the Bison 8-3.

Natalie Williston netted a team-high five shots for the Bison, who were whistled eight times for offsides, compared to five for the Keydets.

The Keydets return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 2, traveling to Farmville, Va. to take on Longwood.