The No. 23-ranked Limestone College men's soccer team opened its season with a convincing 4-1 win over Lenoir-Rhyne on Thursday afternoon at Saints Field.

Limestone notched its first goal in the ninth minute when Liam Garner scored his first collegiate goal on a free kick.

The Saints' Junior Ellis gave his team the 2-0 advantage when he scored off a feed from Ali Benson in the 31st minute.

Nine minutes later, Keegan Ziada picked up an assist when he crossed the ball from the left of the box to Garner, who launched a shot from the right side past Bear goalkeeper Tom Heath. The Saints headed into halftime with a solid 3-0 lead.

Lenoir-Rhyne got on the board 13 minutes into the second half when Gary Higgins capitalized on a penalty kick.

Limestone responded moments later when sophomore Mike Stephenson scored his first goal in a Saints uniform to increase Limestone's margin to 4-1.

Ellis picked up the assist on Stephenson's goal.

Goalkeeper Mark Davidson posted three saves for the Saints.

Limestone hosts Newberry College on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m.

BY THE NUMBERS

l 23rd-ranked Saints top

Lenoir-Rhyne

l Liam Garner opened the scoring for the Saints with a goal on

a free kick.