LIVINGSTON, Ala. - In a critical Gulf South Conference match on Sunday afternoon in Livingston, Ala., the Valdosta State soccer team defeated West Alabama 2-1 and earned a bye into the second round of the GSC Tournament, thanks to a game-winning goal off the foot of senior Caroline Moore in the final seconds of the match.

"It could have gone either way today, but we learned a lot from the game against West Florida on Friday," exclaimed Head Coach Rebecca Nolin following the win. "Our girls had a much better performance today, and I'm very happy for them. They've worked very hard all season to get to the GSC Tournament, and I believe we deserve to be there."

The Blazer defense could do no wrong in the contest, as they not only held the Tigers to one goal, but also delivered both of VSU's goals.

Shelby Jennings put the Blazers on top at the 23:36 mark when she netted a corner kick offering from sophomore Kayla Robles. The assist was Robles' first of the season, and the score for Jennings was her second of the year.

West Alabama evened the match up midway through the second half with a goal by Kirsten Reilly in the 68th minute, but the Blazers would not be denied. In the closing seconds of regulation, Maegen Doyle switched the field with a pass to Abbi Edwards, who dished off to Moore down the right sideline. The senior took a shot from outside the 18-yard box and found the back post for the game-winning score at the 89:43 mark.

Prior to the weekend, which included the final two regular season games of her career, Moore had never scored a goal for Valdosta State. After goals in both Friday night's contest against UWF and the victory on Sunday, the Greenville, S.C. native now has two.

"These girls are on a mission to continue the season for as long as possible for the seniors," added Nolin. "We will enjoy the rest today and tomorrow and begin preparations on Tuesday for the upcoming tournament. I think they've earned a day off."

With the win, Valdosta State closed out the regular season with a record of 9-6-2 on the year and 9-2-1 in league play. The Blazers will represent the No. 2 seed heading into the GSC Tournament. Meanwhile, the Tigers finished with a record of 13-4-1 overall and an 8-3-1 conference record and will enter the postseason as the No. 4 seed.

The Blazers will travel to Pensacola later this week to begin play in the second round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament. Stay tuned to www.vstateblazers.com for times and information on postseason play as it becomes available.