SUMMIT – Trailing by a goal at the half, sophomore Abigail Morales netted two goals in the second half to help Northwest rally for a 2-1 win over Southwest Mississippi in the season-opener for both teams.

Kaitlyn Cooper scored Southwest's lone goal off a free kick just before the halftime whistle, one of the Lady Bears' two shots against nine for Northwest in the opening 45 minutes.

Northwest came within inches of tying the match in the 48th minute when Tristan Kitchens' shot clanged off the right post and sailed wide.

Twelve minutes later, Morales' first goal of the year tied the match at 1-1 in the 60th minute, using an assist by Kitchens. Her second goal came with just under 4 minutes to play off an assist by Lizzie Gardner, which turned out to be her sixth career game-winner.

Northwest owned a 20-7 advantage in shots, drew eight corner kicks and had numerous other scoring opportunities in the 2-1 win.

Kendyl Adam had seven saves for Southwest against two for Ashley Nelson who picked up her 11th career win.

Northwest will return to action on Monday, Sept. 1 at 2 p.m., playing host to Meridian.