LEXINGTON, Va. - Freshman Kacey Hall netted her first career goal just 33 seconds into the match, as VMI scored a 1-0 win over Winthrop in Big South play on Sunday afternoon at Patchin Field.

In the game's opening minute, freshman Christelle Ndongo sent a cross from the right flank into the box, where senior Chrissy Beach headed the ball to the left side.  Hall was there waiting and struck a shot from 15 yards out to the back post, where it caromed off the post and into the goal.

VMI improves to 5-9 on the year and 3-3 in Big South matches with its fourth straight victory over Winthrop.  The Lady Eagles fall to 3-9-2 with the loss and 0-4-1 in league play.

"I really feel good about this win," said VMI head coach Bryan Williams.  "Not only did we get a great goal early, but we also created any number of chances to increase that lead.  My compliments to Winthrop, they never gave up and fought hard to keep the match interesting.  It was important for us to come out of the weekend with a good result.  It's good to get back to .500 in the conference, and I'm hoping that we're getting back to playing the style of soccer that we're capable of playing."

Junior keeper Angela Redmond was credited with five saves in notching her second shutout of the season.  It also marked VMI's fifth shutout of the year and third in Big South play.  Redmond's counterpart, redshirt sophomore Kelsey Weavil, made six saves in the Winthrop net.

"I was pleased with the confidence that we showed with Angela in goal and along the back line in absorbing their strong play," said Williams.  "I was very pleased with Audrey, Kelly, Jen and Alexi's play on the back line.  I was also really pleased with the play up top.  Not only did Christelle and Chrissy give good efforts, but Amanda Berrios and Kacey hall each did as well.  We combined better today than we have this season.  We created some great opportunities, but we just weren't able to put it in the net."

The match featured end-to-end action throughout, as the Keydets held an 11-8 advantage in shots in the first half alone.  In the second period, the Eagles had several chances to net the equalizer, none bigger than a restart just outside of the 18-yard box with six minutes remaining.  Senior Stevie Lucas, however, sent the free kick over the goal, though Redmond was still forced to make a stop on an Allie VandeWater shot less than a minute later.

The Lady Eagles held a slight 7-6 lead in shots in the second half, cutting the overall margin to 17-15 for the match. Senior Jessica Hausfeld had a team-high four shots for the visitors, while Ndongo matched that number for the Keydets.  VMI was whistled offside five times in the match while holding a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks through 90 minutes.

The Keydets return to action on Saturday evening, traveling to North Carolina to take on High Point.