NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Middle Tennessee women's soccer team (1-0-0) opened the 2025 season with a 2-1 victory over Belmont (0-0-1) at E.S. Rose Park. 

It was the Blue Raiders' first season-opening win since a 1-0 victory against Belmont in Murfreesboro in 2021. Sophomore goalkeeper Demi Gronauer made four saves to start the regular season. 

In the second half, Middle Tennessee took the lead at 71:23 when freshman Olivia Best scored from the top center of the goal, assisted by midfielder Ximena Jauregui. The Blue Raiders added the winning goal at 88:26, with senior Taijah Fraser finishing and senior Megan Carroll providing the assist.  

Aston Rhoden said: 

A big part of who we are is trusting each other. For the team to buy into that, I have to model it myself. I need to show that I trust them in key moments and give them the opportunities to make an impact on the game. 

Olivia Best said: 

Aston has put us in really great situations in training to learn and perform, so that when we're on the field in games and big moments, we're ready to step up, take opportunities, and capitalize on them. 

Next match: 

Middle Tennessee will host Jackson State on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. at Dean A. Hayes Stadium.