RALEIGH, N.C. — The Meredith College Avenging Angels soccer team defeated the Greensboro College Pride 1-0 off of an impressive defensive performance led by Kirstie King. Jessica Wallace scored the lone goal for the Angels as she headed a corner into the back of the net just out of reach of the Greensboro keeper.

The Meredith back line kept three of the top five USA South point scorers uncomfortable all afternoon and did not allow them space to operate. The defense led by King, Olivia DeBellis, and Molly Thomas repelled every attack that came their way, as Greensboro only had one attempt on goal that threatened Meredith keeper Jaisa Loch.

The first half began with an intense defensive struggle that saw neither team take control of the match. Both teams traded possession evenly with Meredith's best chance coming off of a Haley Andrews free kick just outside the box towards the end of the half.

Both teams came out of the half with the same intensity and pace that defined the first half. Greensboro's chance came off a break away on the right side of the field that ended with a Caitlyn Cook shot that went towards the top left of the goal but sailed just wide past the reach of Loch.

The Angels continued to push the ball up the field with DeBellis and Wallace setting the pace. Wallace then broke the deadlock off of a corner kick Molly Thomas floated in the air for Wallace to head into goal above the reach of Pride keeper Brittany Morrison.

With the lead in hand, the Meredith defense held on against an increased pace from the Greensboro forwards to run out the final minutes for the win.

Loch moved to 8-5 on the year in goal with two saves on the afternoon. The Angels outshot the Pride 11-4 and held an 11-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The win moves Meredith to 7-3 in the USA South behind division leader Ferrum and N.C. Wesleyan. The Avenging Angels return to the field Wednesday night as they host the Averett University Cougars at 6 p.m.