Hartsville, S.C. – Freshmen Eric Stiefield and Enrique Barrientos got their college career off to a good start on Thursday night, as they led the Cobras to a 2-1 win over the UNC-Pembroke Braves. Stiefield (Eustis, Fla.) scored both of Coker’s goals, while Barrientos (Plano, Texas) gave Stiefield the opportunity to score, assisting on both goals.

Coker’s (1-0) win, gives the Cobras their second 2-1 victory over UNC-P (0-1) in as many years and marks just the second time the Cobras have beat the Braves in school history. The first time came a year ago when Coker won by a very similar score, 2-1.

It was a hard fought match, with a total of 30 fouls, seven yellow cards and a red card. Each defense was extra tough to crack, with the Cobras holding the Braves to just three shots and the Braves defense holding Coker to only five shots.

UNC-P’s lone goal came off a direct kick by Carlos Cipriano (Raleigh, N.C.) that was tipped into the goal by Rondell Honora (Charlotte, N.C.).

Stiefield and Barrientos were not the only freshmen that stood out for the Cobras Thursday night; goalkeeper James Sweeney (Huntingtown, Md.) earned his first collegiate victory between the pipes, allowing just one goal, while making one save.

Coker returns to action on Sunday, when they travel to Murfreesboro, N.C. to take on Chowan University at 4:00 p.m.