Zulema Martinez capitalized on a late opportunity, scoring the game-winning goal in the 89th minute as Newman defeated Emporia State, 3-2, on Thursday night in Wichita.
The loss marked the first game for new ESU coach Jim Schneiderhahn and also 11 freshmen on his roster.
“I thought we played well and played spotty,” Schneiderhahn said. “I think we played like a young team.”
With the game tied at two, Newman’s Jennifer Urmey slipped a pass to Martinez, who had a breakaway shot on the right side.
ESU goalie Erin Allen saved the first attempt but couldn’t gain control of the ball. It bounded back to Martinez, who put it into the empty net for the game-deciding score.
The contest was Newman’s first as an NCAA school. The Jets began this season as provisional NCAA Division II members after competing previous years in the NAIA.
ESU freshman Alicia Smith provided the game’s opening goal, scoring in the ninth minute on an assist from sophomore Shelley Marsh.
After two consecutive Newman tallies, freshman Megan McGuirk tied it with a goal in the 65th minute, with the assist going to fellow freshman Jennifer Gurnsey.
“I thought at times we looked like world-beaters,” Schneiderhahn said, “but then at times we were unable to complete a couple of passes.”
Newman went 0-4 against Division II competition last season.
Schneiderhahn said the inconsistent play was not a surprise given his team’s inexperience and youth.
“You have to expect it,” Schneiderhahn said. “It’s our first match of the year.”
ESU (0-1) will play its home opener Sunday, as it takes on East Central (Okla.) at 1 p.m. at the TRYSA Complex.