FLORENCE, Ala. - The Valdosta State soccer team put up their best defensive display of the 2014 season on Friday night in Florence, Ala. to claim a 1-0 shutout Gulf South Conference victory over the Lions of North Alabama.

The Lions were held scoreless for only the second time this season, and fell to 6-2-1 on the year and 3-2 in league play. Meanwhile, the Blazers continued their strong effort in league play this year, as the win boosted the team's conference record to 4-1, 4-4 overall.

After a scoreless first half, the Blazers were able to find the only goal they needed in the 68th minute, when Erin Hill guided a corner kick into the six-yard box. Shelby Jennings redirected the offering to freshman Malin Hegeler, who finished into the bottom right corner for the first goal of her career.

The lone goal proved to be enough thanks to another stellar performance by Olivia Mills and the VSU defense. The Blazer backs were able to suppress North Alabama forward Chloe Richards, who entered the match on Friday as the top scorer in all of Division II with 13 goals in 2014.

The Lions edged out the Blazers 8-6 in the shot column and 5-4 in shots on goal, but Mills posted five saves on the night to keep the match in hand.

Valdosta State will return home on Sunday for a match against one of this year's new additions to the GSC, as the Blazers host the Lady Choctaws for a 1:00 p.m. matchup at the VSU Soccer Complex.