VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Blazers (4-3-3, 3-2-2 GSC) battled to a scoreless draw with No.15 Lee University Flames (7-1-3, 4-1-2 GSC) on Wednesday night at the VSU Soccer Complex.
The Flames went on the attack early, as a shot by Emma Nelson was on frame, but was saved by goalkeeper Alanna Zander. Later on, the Blazers made their push, with
Ameliah Dixon finding an opening on the right side, but the shot was knocked away by Abby Whitcomb of Lee.
Later on, the Flames had back-to-back looks at the goal, but Zander swatted both away. In the 28th minute, after a foul from
Sarah Hudson created a goal-scoring opportunity, the young keeper sent another Lee shot back.
Towards the end of the half, Lee had one more look at the net, but Zander sent it away again, sending both teams into the locker room even at zero.
The Flames continued the offensive onslaught, getting a shot through early in the second half, but once again the freshman came up with the save.
While the defense held strong for the second half, the Blazer attack picked up steam in the closing minutes.
Rachel Andrews found a lane through, but Whitcomb saved the shot, then in 85th minute,
Jada Narcisse had a shot on target, but another save held off the Blazers chance at breaking the tie.
The two teams could not find the back of the net, with the game ending in a tie.
In her first career start, Zander put on an incredible performance, facing 23 shots, and tallying 13 saves.
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