CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College opened Gulf South Conference play on a high note Friday night, taking a 2-1 victory over Spring Hill at Robinson-Hale Stadium.

The Choctaws (1-0 GSC) struck early with a pair of first-half goals and leaned on a strong defensive effort to hold off the Badgers' late push.

Alvaro Pena opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing one of MC's 15 shots on the night. Russell Berko doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, slotting home what proved to be the game-winner. Both goals came before halftime as the Choctaws controlled possession and outshot Spring Hill 9-2 in the opening frame.

Spring Hill (0-1 GSC) clawed back in the second half when Alessandro Murgia pulled one back in the 52nd minute, but the Choctaw back line and goalkeeper Cole Turner stood tall the rest of the way. Turner collected three saves in 90 minutes of action, helping MC secure its first conference win of the year.

MC outshot the Badgers 15-9 overall and earned a 7-5 edge in corner kicks. Sergio Garrido and Pena each put attempts on frame, while Berko converted his only shot on goal into the decisive strike.

The Choctaws continue GSC play on Sunday as they host West Florida tin GSC play beginning at 1 p.m.