JACKSON, Tenn. — Valdosta State (4-2-2, 3-1-1 GSC) battled back in the second half but couldn't complete the comeback, falling 3-2 to Union on Saturday at Smith Memorial Soccer Complex.
Union struck first in the 14th minute to make it 1-0. The hosts controlled much of the opening 45 minutes, out-shooting the Blazers 9-2 in the first period, but Valdosta State goalkeeper Adrienne Cardona-Colon kept the deficit at just one with three first-half saves.
Valdosta State came out of the break with more urgency, and it paid off in the 55th minute when Sarah Hudson leveled the score at 1-1. The senior extended her scoring streak to six matches on the season. Hudson is tied for second in the GSC in goals with seven and second in the GSC in points with 17.
The tie didn't last long. Union struck again in the 69th minute to put the Bulldogs back in front, 2-1. Just six minutes later, the hosts struck again to make it 3-1.
The Blazers refused to fold. Bianca Martinez pulled VSU back within one in the 89th minute with her first career goal, converting an assist from Natalie Ocampo to make it 3-2, but time ran out before the Blazers could find an equalizer.
The Blazers return to action as they travel to face Montevallo on Saturday Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.
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