EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - Despite a slow first half, the UW-Eau Claire soccer team finished its season-opening Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game strong to record a 1-0 victory over UW-Oshkosh at the Bollinger Fields today.

In the first half, the Blugolds and Titans were nearly even with seven and four shots, respectively. But the second half was a different story as the Blugolds finished with 11 shots to Oshkosh's one.

Scoring the Blugolds' lone goal was Paige LeGate (Fr.-Green Bay, Wis./Bay Port), the first of her career, on an assist from Rachel Nerison (Jr.-Maple Grove, Minn.), who led the game with five shots. The goal was scored at 66:26.

Playing all 90 minutes in-goal for Eau Claire was Amanda Hakala (So.-Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area). She stopped three Titan shots while Oshkosh's goalkeeper Brittany Walder recorded nine saves, allowing one goal.

The Blugolds improve to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in WIAC play. Oshkosh drops to 3-4 on the season and 0-2 in the WIAC. Eau Claire also won 1-0 last season and has not lost to the Titans since 2004.

The Blugolds have only been involved in shutouts this season, winning three of them and losing two of them.

Tomorrow the Blugolds will be back at Bollinger for a non-conference game against the College of St. Benedict (Minn.). Action will kick off at 1 p.m.