CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Valdosta State women's soccer team defeated Delta State, 1-0, Sunday afternoon to conclude its Mississippi road trip. The Blazers improve to 6-3-1 on the season, 3-2-1 in Gulf South Conference play, while the lady Statesmen fall to 6-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play.
The Blazers capitalized early in the first half, with sophomore
Bailey Hern creating a chance for freshman
Molly Wooldridge to find the back of the net in the second minute of action to give VSU a 1-0 lead. Wooldridge recorded her sixth collegiate goal, sixth of the season, and finished the match with one shot on frame. Hern ended the game with two shot attempts and one assist.
Freshman
Emma Pruett saved a potential equalizer from Delta State's Mia Ramirez in the ninth minute to preserve the Blazer's lead. Pruett played all 90 minutes between the pipes and finished the match with three saves.
In the second half, the tensions continued to rise, with both teams trying to find the back of the net. Junior
Lauren Hicks had a point-blank shot in the 46th minute but was collected by DSU's Amanda Hillard. Hicks finished the match with two shots and one on frame. Hern hit the top of the woodwork in the 72nd minute, but the crossbar denied her a potential insurance goal.
Delta State outshot the Blazers 10-3 in the second half, but the Blazer's defense helped preserve the 1-0 scoreline and give VSU its fourth clean sheet of the season.
Three Blazers picked up yellow cards during the match. Junior
Lyana Steele picked one up in the 65th minute, while junior
Kyleigh Reedy and Hern picked up yellows in the 82nd and 89th minute, respectfully.
The series between the Blazers and lady Statesmen move to 9-0-1 all-time while VSU holds a 5-0-1 advantage over DSU on the road.
The match against Delta State ends VSU's four-game road trip. The Blazers are back in action on October 15 at 7 p.m. against the Union Bulldogs at the VSU Soccer Complex and then hosts Christian Brothers at home on October 17 at 1 p.m.
To stay up to date on all things Blazer soccer, follow Blazer Athletics on social media or visit vstateblazers.com.
