“Presley [Freeman] has had a fantastic career for us so far,” said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. “Excited for her first goal tonight. She’s come in, she’s worked hard and she’s very talented. She’s such a high-end player.”

The Cougars outshot the Tigers 15-12 and now have a 2-1 all-time record against Auburn.

In the scoreless opening half, BYU slightly led in time of possession, having the ball 53 percent of the time while Auburn had the advantage in shots leading 9-6. Both teams had one shot on goal.

In the 7th minute, freshman Sophie Sivulich nearly started the scoring after hitting the crossbar.

Later in the opening half the Cougars’ best scoring opportunity came when BYU’s leading goal-scorer Ellie Walbruch missed wide left from within the box.

The Tigers had three corner kicks in the opening period compared to one by BYU, but their best scoring opportunity came from a free kick in the 39th minute that hit the crossbar.

In the 57th minute BYU got on the board when a cross from Walbruch went to an Auburn player who, in an effort to clear the ball past the goal line, got an own goal.

BYU added to its lead in the 79th minute when sophomore defender Presley Freeman scored her first collegiate goal after her long ball to the box went over the keeper.

The Cougars outshot the Tigers 9-3 and held Auburn without a shot on goal in the second half to seal their third win of the season.

BYU (3-0-1) hosts the No. 8 Arkansas Razorback at South Field on Tuesday, September 2nd at 7 p.m. MT, with streaming on ESPN+.