VALDOSTA, Ga. - In a tight Friday afternoon contest at The VSU Soccer Complex against one of the nation's top teams, the Valdosta State soccer team fell short with a 2-0 non-conference loss to the Lady Cougars of Columbus State.

The Blazers held their own and put together several threats against the No. 4 team in all of Division II, but the Lady Cougars capitalized on a free kick early in the contest when Casey Davis delivered a ball to the left side of the 18-yard box that was redirected by Nicole Corcione for a decisive header that marked Corcione's third goal of the season.

Valdosta State keeper Olivia Mills put up a gutsy effort and allowed just two goals in the contest, despite a barrage of shots taken by the Lady Cougars. Mills held CSU to just one goal until the squad picked up their second score of the afternoon within the final three minutes of the contest, thanks to a penalty kick opportunity that was converted by Mandy Janowitz.

Zahimara Fantauzzi joined Abbi Edwards to supply the firepower for the Blazers, as the pair teamed up for five of VSU's six shots on the day, while junior Erin Hill added a shot as well.

Fantauzzi was afforded a breakaway one on one opportunity late in the first half after receiving a pass just inside the 18 yard box, but CSU goalkeeper Maylyn Parsons denied the chance in the 38th minute with one of her two saves on the day.

With the loss, the Blazers fell to 4-5-1 overall after Friday's loss, while the Lady Cougars improved to 10-0-1 on the season.

Valdosta State returns to GSC action on Sunday afternoon, with another home match, as the Spring Hill Badgers come to town. Start time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., with live stats and video links available right here at www.vstateblazers.com.