RALEIGH, N.C. - The Avenging Angels opened their season against the Roanoke College Maroons Tuesday evening with a 2-1 loss in extra time. Meredith struck first with a strong header from senior defender Megan Luke, but Roanoke came back to tie in the second half before scoring the winning goal in overtime.

Meredith forced two corners early to control the pace in the first 10 minutes of the game. The Avenging Angels were very physical on and off the ball as they controlled play in the air. Meredith broke through in the 18th minute as Luke found the back of the net with a strong header off of a Samantha Litt corner.

The Avenging Angel defense stifled the Maroon attack the rest of the period with a strong effort from Luke and freshman Kirstie King in the backfield.

Roanoke came out firing in the second half to shift control of the match. Jessica Wallace pushed back by leading the counterattack and creating chances for the Angels. Maroon Sierra Lynn Johnson floated a header to the back right corner of the box on a corner kick from Megan Ryan to tie the game at 71:52.

The Avenging Angels rekindled their attack as Meredith McCarty created two late corner opportunities. The effort fell short as the game went into extra time.

Roanoke controlled possession and kept the ball on Meredith's side of the field. The persistence paid off as senior Ashley Barnes fired a shot from in front of the Avenging Angel bench that sailed into the back of the net ending the game.

Meredith outshot the Maroons 17-8 and boasted eight corner kicks to Roanoke's one. In addition to the offensive tallies, rookies King and Wallace recorded strong debuts. The Angels will continue to develop the 12 new team members to prepare for the challenging USA South schedule set to begin September 18.

The Avenging Angels return to action this weekend as they host the Meredith Soccer Classic with an all women's college panel. Meredith will face Salem College at 12 p.m. Saturday and follow with the Agnes Scott Scotties at Noon Sunday. Hollins will play the other team at 2:15 p.m. each afternoon. Follow the action live HERE.