VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State soccer's offensive unit broke open a 3-0 lead in the first half on Tuesday night at the VSU Soccer Complex, and the defensive troop held the West Georgia Wolves scoreless in a 3-0 win that clinched a spot for the Blazers in the 2014 Gulf South Conference Tournament.
The win improved VSU to 7-5-1 overall and 7-1-1 in conference play, while the Wolves fell to 2-11-2 overall and 2-6-1 against league opponents. The Blazers now represent only the second team to lock up one of six available spots in the GSC Tournament. West Alabama marked the first team in the league to secure a berth in the postseason with a conference win last week.
Head Coach
Rebecca Nolin enjoyed better production on the attack in Tuesday night's battle, an aspect of the game that the Blazers have been working very hard on in recent weeks. And it didn't take long for the team to get going.
In fact, the deciding goal was scored within the first two minutes of the contest after
Maegen Doyle blasted her third goal of the season on a free kick from 25 yards out. The freshman used the opportunity to shoot one past the keeper and give the Blazers an early 1-0 lead. The advantage was one that VSU would not relinquish for the remainder of the night.
The onslaught continued later in the opening period when
Leanne Bishop connected for her third goal of the year after a setup by
Lauren Ingram and Doyle. Bishop took full advantage of the opportunity with a shot from nearly 30 yards out that sailed out of UWG keeper Katie Miklausich's reach and into the net for a 2-0 lead.
Kim Caitlin Alderman added her first goal of the 2014 campaign and her fourth career goal midway through the first period with a straightaway shot from just outside the 18-yard box. The score was made possible thanks to
Zahimara Fantauzzi's third career assist.
The Blazers will now aim to improve their position in the standings heading into the postseason with three more GSC matchups, beginning with Alabama-Huntsville on Sunday October 26 at 1:00 p.m.. The afternoon contest will be senior day at the VSU Soccer Complex, where each of the Blazer seniors will be recognized prior to the start of the match.
