FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer dropped its season-opening test Thursday 1-0 against the University of Iowa.

Thursday's match witnessed a two-and-a-half-hour weather delay before kickoff. The match officially got underway at 9:38 p.m.

FGCU (0-1-0) stayed on the defensive front most of the night in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Freshman goalkeeper Olivia Molina faced 25 shots from the Hawkeyes, only allowing one to sneak past into the net.

"Disappointed with the result but really pleased how hard our ladies competed and the potential we have," head coach Jim Blankenship said.

Iowa's (1-0-0) game-winning strike occurred just 12 minutes into the contest. Molina settled in and recorded nine saves for her first match of her collegiate career. She tallied five saves in the first half and added four more in the second period, keeping the Eagles within striking distance.

FGCU produced four opportunities to secure the equalizer. Sophomore Erika Zschuppe led the way with two of the Eagles' four shots.

In the 63rd minute, junior Ashley Labbe sent a bending strike just wide of the net. 

The Eagles eye to bounce back Sunday at home versus Little Rock. Kickoff has been moved up to noon at the FGCU Soccer Complex at Pickering Field.

The match will be streamed on ESPN+. For tickets, visit the FGCU Ticket Office online or at the Alico Arena Box Office.