SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Oct. 21, 2026) — South Carolina State women's soccer continued its road schedule Wednesday evening, falling 6-0 to USC Upstate in nonconference action at County University Soccer Stadium.
Despite a challenging night offensively, the Lady Bulldogs showed determination throughout the contest, highlighted by a solid effort in goal from
Jada Gittings, who recorded five saves against a strong USC Upstate offensive attack.
The Spartans (10-2-4) established an early advantage when Annabelle Wunderlich converted a penalty kick in the third minute. Cansu Kara followed with a goal in the sixth minute off an assist from Katelyn Economopoulos, giving the home team a 2-0 lead.
USC Upstate extended its advantage late in the opening half with another penalty kick from Wunderlich in the 37th minute before Liana Bryant added a goal in the 45th minute to give the Spartans a 4-0 halftime lead.
South Carolina State (0-14-1) continued to compete in the second half, making defensive adjustments and working to create offensive opportunities.
The Lady Bulldogs registered their lone shot attempt in the 55th minute when
Denive Guy-Williams created an opportunity, but her attempt was blocked by the Spartan defense.
USC Upstate added two second-half goals, with Arianna Diemer scoring in the 47th minute and Jasmine Hicks closing out the scoring in the 83rd minute.
Gittings anchored the Lady Bulldogs' defensive effort, playing nearly 73 minutes while recording five saves. Reserve goalkeeper Alexa Smith entered late in the second half, playing the final 17 minutes.
Defenders
Kamora Johnson and
Emmi Sullivan provided consistency on the back line, each playing the full 90 minutes.
Jenai Wood also contributed 80 minutes, while midfielder
Kelis Santana-Goulbourne logged 76 minutes.
USC Upstate finished with a 25-1 advantage in shots, including 12 shots on goal, and held a 12-0 edge in corner kicks. SC State recorded six team saves.
The Lady Bulldogs will look to regroup and build on their experience as they continue working toward improvement and closing out the 2026 campaign under second-year head coach
Andrew Richardson.
SC State Match Highlights
Match Summary
Final: USC Upstate 6, South Carolina State 0
Records: SC State (0-14-1); USC Upstate (10-2-4)
Location: County University Soccer Stadium, Spartanburg, S.C.
Attendance: 137
For more information on SC State women's soccer and Bulldog Athletics, visit www.scsuathletics.com.
