Soccer Starts Conference Play With Win
The UNCP women’s soccer team started out Peach Belt Conference play with a triumph as they topped Clayton State 1-0 on Sept. 20 in Morrow, Ga.
Freshman Alexis Pittman notched her second collegiate goal for the Braves (3-2, 1-0 PBC). It was the newcomer’s second consecutive game with a score.
Clayton State (2-3, 0-2 PBC) couldn’t keep up with UNCP’s offensive production throughout the night. The Lakers were outshot by the Braves 14-9, including a 12-4 deficit in shots on goal.
Defender Jasmine Senecal-Guzman recorded the second assist of her career for UNCP.
"I've always said wins are hard to come by in the PBC, so winning our first game on the road and getting three points is huge,” UNCP head coach Lars Andersson said.
Neither team was able to take an advantage in the first half. Goalkeeper Gina Ryan made two key saves in a span of just four seconds in the seventh minute. That pair of shots from Clayton State’s Iciar Duran was the closest opportunity for the Lakers to get on the scoreboard.
Pittman put the Braves ahead with a goal in the 51st minute. She was able to beat Clayton State goalkeeper Jessica Charman, who registered 11 saves between the posts.
Ryan, a sophomore, picked up the ninth shutout of her career while tallying four saves.
"From the forwards all the way to the back line, we kept our shape and didn't give up many chances tonight,” Andersson said.
UNCP held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks, with four of them coming in the first half.
The Braves will end their five-game road trip on Sept. 23 when they travel to face No. 2 Columbus State.
Brandon Tester directs sports coverage at the Pine Needle. You can follow him on Twitter @Tester_Brandon.
