ALLENDALE, Mich. -- The University of Southern Indiana women's soccer team began the 2008 campaign by dropping a 1-0 decision to Ferris State University at the Grand Valley State University Tournament in Allendale, Michigan. The match was the season opener for both squads.

The Bulldogs scored the game-winning goal seven minutes into the second half. Junior forward Megan McCabe recorded FSU's first goal of the season when she scored off an assist by senior defender Julia Zilan.

The Screaming Eagles, who outshot the Bulldogs 14-10, were stymied by FSU sophomore goalkeeper Becci Houdek for nearly 88 minutes before leaving with an injury. USI forced Houdek to make five saves during the match with junior forward Rachel Caksackkar (Paducah, Kentucky) and freshman defender Allison Bevenue (Millstadt, Illinois) recording two shots on goal each.

USI concludes action in the Grand Valley State Tournament Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (CST) when it plays the host Lakers. GVSU, which is ranked third nationally, opens the season tonight against number one ranked University of Tampa.