LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- On an increasingly chilly and breezy night, the Covenant women's soccer team opened up the home portion of their 2013 schedule against Birmingham Southern. The visiting Panthers scored twice in the second half to pull out a 2-0 victory over the Lady Scots.

The loss drops Covenant to 2-5 as the team concludes non-conference matches. USA South play begins on Friday at Greensboro. Birmingham Southern improves to 2-3 overall.

The first half was evenly played as both teams attempted six shots, but neither team could capitalize on potential scoring opportunities. Covenant keeper Lucy Johnson made six saves in the opening period, including a pair of diving stops.

The scoreless tie was broken in the 55th minute of the match when the Panthers' Jamie Sullivan got by the Covenant defense and placed her shot perfectly past Johnson to give Birmingham Southern a 1-0 lead. The Panthers would add to their margin in the 76th minute when Nicole Newton completed a touch pass to Jessie Sperry who took the ball into the box and finished the shot into the lower left corner of the net to make it 2-0.

Johnson ended the match with 11 saves, setting a new career-high in the process. Panthers keeper Richelle Byrd secured three saves.

Covenant was outshot 14-10 by the Panthers. Andrea Hunt and Ruth Terry each took three shots to lead the Lady Scots.

Covenant will open USA South play on Friday when they travel to Greensboro to take on the Pride. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.