HICKORY, N.C. – Jessica Cravero scored her 10th goal of the season, Itzel Ballesteros tallied two more assists and the Lady Railsplitters made another statement with a 2-1 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday evening at the Moretz Athletic Complex. 
 
With the win, Lincoln Memorial (8-3, 4-2 SAC) surpassed its win total from the entire 2017 season and hit the eight-win mark for the first time since the 2014 team won nine matches. The Lady Railsplitters also snapped a five-game road losing streak at Lenoir-Rhyne (7-5-1, 5-3 SAC) to improve to 6-10 in the all-time series. 
 
The win also marks a stunning two-year turnaround for the Lady Railsplitters, who were blasted 4-0 by the Bears during the 2016 season.
 
Cravero and Ballesteros both made a little bit of history in Saturday's win as well. 
 
In the 22nd minute, Cravero finished off a pass from Ballesteros to put the Lady Railsplitters in the lead and reach double-digit goals. With that strike, the Italian freshman forward became the first LMU player with 10 goals in a season this decade. Becky Thompson was the last Lady Railsplitter to accomplish that feat with a 10-goal season in 2009. 
 
After the Bears drew back level in the 32nd minute on a goal from Claire Neibergall, Ballesteros helped the Lady Railsplitters retake the lead in the 60th minute when she found Caroline Souza, who netted her second goal of the season in game-winning fashion. 
 
With two assists, Ballesteros pushed her season total to eight to account for the highest single-season total by an LMU player since Sarah Taylor's 11-assist effort in 2010. 
 
Lenoir-Rhyne finished with a 14-12 advantage in shot attempts, including a 9-7 edge in shots on goal. But the Bears did most of their damage in the first half, when they outshot the Lady Railsplitters 10-4. LMU produced an 8-4 advantage in the second half. 
 
Ann-Marie O'Connell's streak of two consecutive shutouts ended, but the junior made a career-high eight saves to pick up her eighth win of the season. 
 
Souza, who scored the first game-winning goal of her career, led the Lady Railsplitters with five shots and four shots on goal, while Maria Hernandez had three shots. 
 
Quick Hits 
 
- LMU produced a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. The Lady Railsplitters were whistled for 22 fouls compared to only 11 for the Bears. 
 
- Loren Sterling took the loss in goal for Lenoir-Rhyne after making five saves and allowing two scores. Abbie Brown led all players with six shots and five shots on goal. 
 
- The Lady Railsplitters scored multiple goals against Lenoir-Rhyne for the first time since a 2-0 win in November 2013. 
 
Up Next 
 
The Lady Railsplitters return to the LMU Soccer Complex for a rivalry matchup against Tusculum on Wednesday, October 17. First touch is set for 1 p.m.