JACKSON, Tenn. - Another impressive road performance led Valdosta State soccer to a 4-1 victory over Union and clinched the program their first postseason berth since the team won the Gulf South Conference Title in 2014.
"Returning to postseason play was one of the goals we've had for this team since the start of the season," said Head Coach
Stephen Andrew, who is currently in his first year at the helm. "It was nice for us to take care of it ourselves tonight and clinch this spot without having to rely on someone else. We didn't play our best tonight, but we played well in spells. To score four goals on the road in this conference is always a good thing. I'm really happy for our girls, because they have worked really hard this season."
After a slow start,
Riley Tennant lit the flame for the Blazers (10-4-2, 8-3-2 GSC) on Friday night with a goal early in the second half.
Mallory McDaniel offered up the helper on the key play to boost her total to a league-leading nine. McDaniel eclipsed the all-time single season assist record for VSU earlier this season and is the only player in the league to average at least one assist per every two games played this season.
Just under 20 minutes after the initial goal, the Lady Bulldogs (4-9, 4-8 GSC) kept the match interesting with a game-tying goal by Brooke Watson. Tennant would have none of it, however, and struck again in the 72nd minute after finishing off a pass from
Megan Muffley to put the Blazers on top for good at 2-1.
The Blazers were afforded a pair of insurance goals in the final 15 minutes of play, as
Sabrina Magno used a beautiful pass from
Kira Malpica to net her first career goal as a Blazer. Tennant closed out the night and captured a hat trick with her last of three goals after an assist from
Ashley Lewis.
Tennant's offensive onslaught launched the sophomore into a tie with
Taylor Snell for the team lead in scoring. Both players are currently tied for second in the Gulf South Conference with 10 each.
Valdosta State will close out regular season play on Sunday against Christian Brothers in Memphis, Tenn. Look for live coverage, right here at www.vstateblazers.com
