HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The UAH Lady Chargers began the 2011 season with a thrilling overtime victory, outlasting visiting Delta State 2-1 as Gillian Harding picked up the game-winner in the 98th minute. UAH starts the campaign at 1-0 while the Lady Statesmen begin at 0-1.

The contest was a non-conference affair and thus does not count towards Gulf South Conference standings.

With time winding down in the first overtime period, Harding and a Delta State defender both went up to challenge a ball in the box, and it wound up in the back of the DSU net to give the Lady Chargers the triumph.

The hosts held a 1-0 lead for the majority of the contest as top-returner Luting Sun notched the game's first tally in the 34th minute. The senior was the recipient of a beautiful ball off a free kick from Shera Stansberry, and the Blue and White's leading goal-scorer from a season ago directed it into the back of the net with a nifty header.

With both teams struggling to produce much offensively, the game remained tilted in the Blue and White's favor until the 84th minute when Payten Pearson was able to pick up the equalizer, pushing one past newcomer keeper Iris Gunnarsdottir.

The transfer from Division I member Maine turned in five saves – including four in the second half – on the night in earning her first victory in an UAH uniform.

Kelsey Elling made a pair of stops for DSU in picking up the loss.

The Lady Chargers will return to action on Sunday as they host Lincoln Memorial with kick-off slated for 1 p.m.