BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Sophomore forward Alexus Worrell snapped a 1-1 tie 3:51 into the second half and the goal stood as the game winner as Binghamton women's soccer (1-0) opened its 2025 campaign with a 2-1 road win at Lehigh (0-2) Sunday afternoon at The Ulrich Sports Complex.

After the teams traded first half tallies, Binghamton was awarded a penalty kick in the 49^th minute after sophomore forward Jahkaya Davis was taken down after some strong work in the box. The Bearcats banged the PK off the bar but Worrell pounced on the rebound to the left and beat the keeper from five yards for her first collegiate goal.

Binghamton held a 17-10 shots advantage. Sophomore keeper Rebecca Kessler had to make just three saves.

"We are pleased with the opening win today," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "When we played with full effort, intensity and grit, it really showed. While the game came down to a one-goal difference, I was pleased with the number of quality chances we created ... hopefully we can convert more of those in coming matches. We will enjoy the well-earned 'W' and rest up to be ready for our home opener Thursday."

Junior forward Paige Luke opened the scoring with a 19-yard rifle just 4:46 into the contest. Playing in her first regular season game in 11 months after an injury cut short her 2024 season, Luke wasted no time. She collected a long ball from junior back Sophia Garofalo in the box and after temporarily losing it, she collected the loose ball and hit a missile into the top left corner.

But Lehigh tied it in the 33^rd minute after a penalty miss led to a similar rebound goal as the one Worrell scored. After the spot kick hit the post, the Mountain Hawk player was first to the ball and finished.

Nineteen Bearcats saw the field on a humid afternoon, including four freshmen.  

Binghamton next hosts St. Bonaventure at 6:07 p.m. Thursday at the Bearcats Sports Complex.