ASHLAND, Ore. - The Red Hawks opened its 2024 season at Raider Stadium today as they took on Southern Oregon University. 

The Red Hawks and Raiders battled it out in a nail-biting opening-day contest that saw both team's defensive play shine. 

SOU sent the first shot on goal in the 5th minute of the game as senior goalkeeper Kiah Gridley picked up her first save of the 2024 season. 

Shortly after, Kylie Hokanson put up the first shot of the year for Simpson but she missed wide.

Both teams played stellar defense as they held each other off the board for the entire first half. 

The Raiders constantly attacked as they put up eight shots in the first half while Gridley picked up two saves. 

Junior Chloe Tague put up the final shot for the Red Hawks in the 34th minute of the first half but it found the waiting arms of the Raider goalkeeper. 

Southern Oregon continued its offensive attack as they put up 11 shots in the second half.

The Raiders broke through and ended the scoreless game in the 80th minute. A huge foul by the Red Hawks in the box allowed the Raiders a shot at a penalty kick. 

The Raider penalty kicked just snuck by the out-reaching right hand of Gridley to give SOU the late 1-0 lead. 

Unfortunately, the Red Hawks could not find the back of the net as the Raiders took the season opener 1-0. 

Litsy Munoz kept the pressure on the Raiders as she picked up three shots on goal in her first game as a Red Hawk. 

Gridley took the loss but played well in the post as she picked up six saves on a Raider attack that took 19 total shots in the game. 

Simpson looks to rebound on its Oregon road trip as they take on Warner Pacific on Saturday at 10 am.