ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State women's soccer battled Southern Utah for 90 minutes Friday night after almost two-hour weather delay before dropping a 1-0 decision in its 2026 home opener at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.
The Lady Bulldogs (0-1) and Thunderbirds (1-1) played to a scoreless first half before Southern Utah's Gracen Blieschke scored the eventual game-winner in the 48th minute. Blieschke found the back of the net at the 47:57 mark to give Southern Utah a 1-0 advantage.
South Carolina State goalkeeper
Jada Gittings turned in a strong performance in goal, playing all 90 minutes and recording six saves while allowing just one goal. The Lady Bulldogs' defense kept the contest within striking distance despite Southern Utah finishing with a 12-3 advantage in shots.
SC State generated one of its best opportunities early when
Emmi Sullivan put a shot on goal in the 12th minute, forcing Southern Utah goalkeeper Tatum Trout to make the save.
Aaliyah Silver
added a shot in the 21st minute as the Lady Bulldogs entered halftime tied at 0-0.
Following Southern Utah's goal early in the second half, SC State looked to answer.
Jaelyn Moore registered a shot in the 57th minute, while the Lady Bulldogs increased the pressure with four consecutive corner kicks between the 63rd and 65th minutes.
SC State finished the night with four corner kicks compared with two for Southern Utah. Sullivan recorded the Lady Bulldogs' lone shot on goal, while Moore and Silver each added a shot.
UP NEXT
South Carolina State remains at home Thursday, Aug. 20, when the Lady Bulldogs host
Elon at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field. First kick is scheduled for 7 p.m.
ABOUT SC STATE ATHLETICS
South Carolina State University sponsors 16 NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports programs. The university fields teams in women's golf, women's bowling, women's volleyball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field, softball, men's and women's outdoor track and field, women's soccer and football. All South Carolina State athletic programs compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, with the exception of women's soccer.
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