THE BASICS:
Score: Valdosta State 2, Florida Southern 0
Records: Valdosta State 2-1, Florida Southern 2-3
Location: Valdosta, Ga.
 
THE LEAD:  A pair of goals, including an own goal, in the final three minutes of regulation lifted the Valdosta State women's soccer team to a key regional victory over visiting Florida Southern Friday evening.  Junior Ashley Lewis scored the insurance goal with just under a minute left en route to the victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• In the first half, both teams had numerous opportunities on a number of good crosses, but neither team was able to connect. 
• Florida Southern had four shots with three on frame in the half, while VSU had three shots with one on goal. 
• VSU tallied four corner kicks in the half, while the Mocs had two set pieces. 
• In an exciting second half with more chances by both teams, Florida Southern had two good looks early as VSU sophomore goalkeeper Caroline Embler was up to the task with two key saves.
• Lewis had a great look moments later, but goalkeeper Tori Routt made the save as both teams made a lot of transition opportunities. 
• Later, VSU freshman Kyleigh Reed had a good look with Routt out of the play, but the Florida Southern defense came up with the team save to preserve the tie game.
• In the 79^th minute, Florida Southern had a good look, but the Blazer defense made the team save returning the favor. 
• In a crazy play with a high ball headed in the box at the 86:44 mark, the ball caromed off a Florida Southern player on the clear and found the back of the net for an own goal and a 1-0 VSU lead.
• With just under a minute left, Lewis was on the receiving end of a pass from senior Suvi Savolainen for the insurance goal and the 2-0 lead.
• It was Lewis' team-leading third score of the season.

 
UP NEXT:

• The Blazers head to Florida Tech in Melbourne, Fla., for a Sunday afternoon matchup at 12 p.m., to begin a three-game road trip.
• VSU then opens Gulf South Conference play at Auburn-Montgomery and at Montevallo, Sept. 14-16, before returning home Sept. 21 against Spring Hill College at the Soccer Complex.