VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to visiting Montevallo in the 2019 Gulf South Conference opener Friday evening.  With the loss, VSU fell to 2-3 on the year and 0-1 in conference play, while Montevallo improved to 3-1-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
 
Montevallo jumped out on top in the 22^nd minute on a goal from Kaeri Ward, after Blazer freshman Amber Saunders had a good shot in the 13^th minute, but the ball was blocked.   The Falcons added the second goal, and what turned out to be the game winner, in the 41^st minute from Allye Darnell.

The Falcons held a 7-3 lead in shots in the first half, while holding a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.  VSU junior goalkeeper Caroline Embler had four saves in the first half. 
 
Came out on the attack early in the second half as senior Ashley Lewis put a shot wide in the opening two minutes.  Later, senior Riley Tennant had a good look, but the ball sailed wide, followed another shot from Tennant as Annie Mason came up with the save in the 71^st minute.
 
VSU got its goal in the 79^th minute as sophomore Lauren Hicks scored off an assist from Lewis for a 2-1 deficit.  It was Hicks' first goal of the season and first assist for Lewis.  In the 89^th minute senior Taylor Snell had a great look, but Mason came up with the save. 
 
For the match, the Blazers had nine shots with three on frame, while UM had 17 with nine on target.  Embler had six saves, while Mason recorded two stops. 
 
VSU will look to rebound Sunday at 1 p.m. versus Auburn Montgomery.  Links to live stats and video streaming are available at vstateblazers.com on the women's soccer schedule page.