BELMONT, N.C. -- Freshman Madison Ensley scored two goals, including the game-winner with 3:19 remaining in regulation, to lead Belmont Abbey to a 2-1 victory over Mercy in its first-ever ECAC DII Field Hockey league action. The contest was also the season opener for both teams.

The Crusaders, in just their second year as a program, outshot the visiting Mavericks 16-4 with an advantage of 10-2 on goal. The Abbey also dominated penalty corners, holding a 10-3 margin.

Mercy opened the scoring on a goal by Kayly Bryan with 4:01 left in the first half. Almost immediately after, a nearby lightning strike and a subsequent downpour forced a delay of an hour and 44 minutes. The teams returned to play under clear skies and the Crusaders came on strong. Demetria Barrow beat her defender down the right sideline and found Ensley open in front of the goal for an easy tap-in just 2:18 before halftime.

The teams were even for much of the second half until Ensley poked in another loose ball at the 66:41 mark of the game, putting the program over the .500 mark for the first time in history.

Sophomore transfer Paige Hinds made one save in goal to earn the victory, while Mercy keeper Cheradyn Pettit made eight saves in the loss.

Belmont Abbey returns to action on Monday when it travels to first-year program Converse.