WILMINGTON, N.C. – Defending champion William & Mary jumped out to a 3-1 lead and held on for a 3-2 victory over UNC Wilmington in the Colonial Athletic Association women’s soccer opener for both clubs Friday night at Albert-Daly Field.

      The Tribe, which has won nine conference titles in the 15-year history of the sport in the CAA, won its fourth straight to improve to 6-3-1 overall this season. The Seahawks had their three-game winning streak snapped and stand 4-4-1 heading into Sunday’s CAA home opener vs. No. 25 Old Dominion at 2 p.m.

“It’s tough when you give a team like William & Mary an early 2-0 lead,” UNCW head coach Paul Cairney said. “I was proud of the team for fighting back and out-shooting the Tribe in the second half. Kelly’s (Renkin) goal that cut the lead to 3-2 made it a real interesting game in the final 15 minutes.”

      In Friday’s contest, junior midfielder Krissy Vornadore gave the Tribe an early 1-0 lead when she connected on her second goal of the season at 15:15. Teammate Diana Weigel then pushed the margin to 2-0 at 30:09 with her first goal of the campaign.

      Junior Heather Froehlich sliced the margin to 2-1 when she connected inside the back post at 33:47. It was the first career goal for the Charlotte native.

      W&M’s Kellie Jenkins pushed the score to 3-1 early in the second period when the junior striker scored on a header at 54:15.

      Senior defender Kelly Renkin of UNCW then narrowed the deficit to 3-2 at 61:21 with the Richmond native’s second goal of the season at the top of the box before both teams battled even the rest of the way. Tandy Banks and Brittany Croce were credited with assists on the goal.

      Despite allowing three goals, UNCW’s defense played well, holding Hermann Trophy candidate Claire Zimmeck scoreless in 90 minutes. Zimmeck, who did not register a shot in the contest, entered the game with 16 points on six goals and three assists in nine outings.

      The Tribe built a slight 11-8 edge in shots. UNCW freshman goalie Chandler Follett had three saves, while W&M keeper Meghan Walker collected three saves.  -Courtesy UNCW