CARY, N.C. - William Peace opened the 2026 season with a 0-0 draw against Warren Wilson Wednesday afternoon at WakeMed Soccer Park, as junior transfer goalkeeper Courtney Dugan posted a shutout in her Pacer debut.
The season and home opener was played through extreme heat in Cary, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s during the afternoon and multiple heat breaks taken throughout the match.
Peace controlled much of the possession and made multiple runs in the Warren Wilson half, generating six shots and six corner kicks while limiting the Owls to three shots and four corners. The Pacers picked up their attack after halftime, recording five of their six shots over the final 45 minutes.
Savanna Berckmiller put both of her attempts on frame, forcing saves in the 15th and 51st minutes. Elana Ruff added another shot on goal in the 66th minute, while Gretchen Weeks, Kerlyn Navarrete Trejos and Liv Kanalis also created chances for the Pacers.
Peace also found the back of the net off a corner kick during the match, but the goal was waved off for offsides. The Pacers continued to push forward throughout the second half, creating opportunities from several different players.
On the other end, Dugan and the Peace back line kept Warren Wilson from generating much offensively. The Owls managed just three shots over 90 minutes, with Dugan stopping both attempts on goal to secure a clean sheet in her first appearance as a Pacer.
The Pacers (0-0-1) return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, Sept. 6, when they host Washington Adventist at 3 p.m.
