MURFREESBORO – Chowan made the most of its home opener Wednesday afternoon.

Facing Mt. Olive College, the women’s soccer Hawks jumped out to an early lead and went on to win 3-1.

Meredith McCarthy found the back of the net first, scoring on a cross from Clara Danzeisen with 28:56 to play in the first half.

First-year coach Jodi Clugston said the score was typical of the way the Hawks try to attack.

“We’re looking to get the ball wide and have the midfielder’s finish the ball,” Clugston said.

Mount Olive’s Aleycia Higgins punched in a goal from about five yards out on a service from Lindsey Stanley and Jackie Jiminez to tie the match at 1-1.

Chowan took the lead for good when senior Katelyn Mahoney scored an unassisted goal from about 20 yards out.

The coach said she was pleased with the way the Hawks played and took the lead early.

“I was pleased with the way we possessed the ball,” Clugston said. “We slowed the pace of the game down and played how we want to play. They were chasing us all over the place and that’s what we wanted.”

The Hawks added an insurance goal in the second half when junior Ashley Bradford scored on a Katie Perkins assist.

Kristy Brown led the team defensively, making eight saves on the day in goal. Clugston credited her with good play as well as Mahoney and freshman Katie Duncan.

“We definitely still have to work on possessing the ball better,” Clugston said. “Other teams will be able to substitute more and be able to chase us better. We also have to work on getting to the endline and getting crosses off which will allow us to score more.”

The Hawks (2-1) will be on the road at Belmont-Abbey Saturday.