VALDOSTA, Ga. - A combination of near-misses by the Valdosta State soccer team and several key saves by Lee backup goalkeeper Erin Olson resulted in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the Lee Flames in Gulf South Conference action on Sunday afternoon at the VSU Soccer Complex.

The Blazers fell for the first time in GSC play on Sunday, dropping their overall record to 3-4 and their league record to 3-1. Meanwhile, the Flames improved their GSC record to 3-0 and rose to 4-3-1 overall.

Backup forward Erin Hill opened up a strong scoring opportunity for the Blazers in the first half when she escaped a defender on the left side of the 18-yard box before striking a near-miss with her left foot that went just outside of the left post. The shot accounted for one of eight combined shots taken by both teams in a scoreless first half.

Lee forward Kinsey Cichowitz connected in the eleventh minute of the second period for the only goal of the match with a close opportunity that she guided into the back right corner after receiving a low cross through the box from Kaela Leskovar. The goal marked the second of the year for Cichowitz and proved to be the game-winner, despite heavy pressure by the Blazers down the stretch.

Valdosta State earned several opportunities in the closing minutes of the match, including a blistering attempt off the foot of Maegen Doyle that was denied with a fantastic deflection by Olson that represented one of the keeper's six saves in the contest. Olson entered the match at the keeper position in the third minute of the contest after starter Marbel Egwuenu suffered an injury.

The Blazers now look ahead to next Friday, when Head Coach Rebecca Nolin's squad hits the road again to try and bounce back in GSC play with a match against the Lions of North Alabama. The matchup will take place in Florence, Ala. and is set to kickoff at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Stay tuned to www.vstateblazers.com for updated information all season long regarding the VSU women's soccer program.