The Oglethorpe women's soccer team got off to a 1-0 lead in their season opener against Ave Maria at Salamone Field Friday evening. However, the visiting Gyrenes scored late in each half for the comeback victory, including netting the game-winner in the 88th minute.

Junior forward Claire Stauber started the scoring, beating the Ave Maria goalkeeper on a high, arcing free kick from about 30 yards out in the game's 24th minute. Stauber, last year's SAA leader in shots, struck five in this game, putting two on frame. No other Petrel would put more than one on frame, however, as the Petrels outshot the Gyrenes 17-9 but only put two more on goal than the visitors did (7-5). 

Ave Maria equalized in the 32nd minute on a rebound off junior goalkeeper Sarah Craig. It looked as though the game would go into extra time, as neither team came especially close to scoring for much of the second half. However, the Gyrenes won a free kick in the 88th minute and converted it into a 2-1 lead and the eventual victory.

Ave Maria's goalkeeper recorded six saves to Craig's three. The Gyrenes took five corners to Oglethorpe's four and committed 12 fouls to the Petrels' nine. 

The Stormy Petrels will quickly get back out on the field, taking on Warren Wilson at 1 p.m. Sunday on Salamone Field.