LEXINGTON, Va.- A strong second half effort powered the VMI women's soccer team to a 3-1 win over Campbell on Saturday afternoon at Patchin Field.

VMI (1-2) shook off a pair of disappointing overtime losses in their home opener by controlling the pace of play throughout the game and out-shooting Campbell (0-2-2) 17-9 in the contest, including a 12-6 advantage in the final 45 minutes.

The Keydets jumped out to an early lead when Campbell had an own goal on a Megan Strand corner kick. The senior co-captain was credited with her first goal of the season.

The visitors tied the contest in the 61^st minute, when freshman Rhonda Runion put home sophomore Hanna Salmen's corner kick from the top of the box.

The Keydets stepped up the attack from there, holding an 8-4 advantage in shots the rest of the contest. Following a furious rally in the Keydet attacking third, Campbell was whistled for a handball in the box in the 78^th minute. Freshman Olivia Moore stepped up to convert the penalty kick, scoring her first collegiate goal, the eventual game-winner.

Sophomore A.J. Baker tacked on an insurance goal four minutes later, when she headed home Megan Strand's free kick from the right flank.

Campbell sophomore goalie Boomie Luck made seven saves in the contest, while Keydet sophomore Heidi Beemer made five saves for her first win of the season.

The Keydets had eight corner kicks to the Camels' six for the match, while the visitors held a 16-9 advantage in fouls.

"I'm really trying to think of when, before today, that we've played this complete of a game at home,” said VMI head coach Bryan Williams. “We played in control for so much of the match, and we had so many opportunities early on that we were unable to convert. A big part of today's game, which I've been waiting for to materialize, is being able to get the players that we've recruited in to play at this level. Today, we had as good of combination play in the attacking third of the field as I've seen in my four years here. All of our combinations had focus and intent, and Campbell didn't have a way to answer or deal with it. Our back line gave us a great game, and Heidi did a nice job in goal. We played our own game, which is obviously what we want to do. Today showed that we have a much better team than we've ever had here, and if we can keep the team together and healthy, we will be consistently competitive against anyone that we play.”

The Keydets return to action on Friday, hosting South Carolina State at 1 p.m. before two-time Patriot League champions Navy visit Patchin Field on Sunday afternoon.

Keydet Quick Kicks

• VMI is now 3-3 in all-time home openers and have won their last two home openers (2007- VMI 7, Howard 4).
• The Keydets last scored three or more goals against a Division I opponent on Sept. 9, 2007, defeating S.C. State 6-0 at Patchin Field.
• The win for VMI is the team's first against an Atlantic Sun Conference opponent in program history. The Keydets have previously lost decisions against Campbell (2007), Gardner-Webb (2004) and Mercer (2003).