SPARTANBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State goalkeeper
Jada Gittings delivered a strong performance between the posts Sunday afternoon, recording a season-high 10 saves as the Lady Bulldogs battled Wofford before falling 3-0 at Snyder Field.
SC State (0-5) remained within striking distance for much of the contest behind a determined defensive effort, particularly in the opening half. Gittings played all 90 minutes and turned away 10 of Wofford's 13 shots on goal. The Terriers finished with a 20-1 advantage in total shots, but the Lady Bulldogs' defense forced Wofford to work for its opportunities.
The Lady Bulldogs held the Terriers scoreless for more than 42 minutes despite sustained pressure. Gittings made several key first-half stops, including saves against Maya Lake, Delaney Minor, Julia Grier and Annie Andrews.
Wofford finally broke through late in the opening period when Bella Drummond scored off an assist from Andrews at the 42:18 mark, sending the Terriers into halftime with a 1-0 advantage. Gittings finished the first half with five saves as SC State limited Wofford to one goal on eight shots.
Offensively, Aaliyah Silver produced SC State's lone shot of the afternoon, sending an attempt high in the 36th minute. The Lady Bulldogs also generated an early corner kick in the fourth minute as they looked to establish themselves in the attacking third.
SC State continued to compete defensively after intermission. Gittings made three saves during the opening four minutes of the second half, denying Brooke Moody, Drummond and Ella Jahromi to keep the Bulldogs within a goal. Wofford eventually extended its lead to 2-0 when Andrews scored in the 57th minute off an assist from Moody.
The Bulldogs continued to battle despite the deficit, with Gittings making another stop against Lake in the 61st minute. Wofford added its final goal at 83:31 when Lake scored unassisted to produce the 3-0 final.
One positive for SC State was its discipline throughout the match. The Lady Bulldogs were not issued a yellow or red card and committed seven fouls compared with 10 for Wofford. SC State also held 40% of the possession against the Terriers' 60%.
Gittings' performance highlighted an SC State defensive unit that absorbed significant pressure while continuing to compete throughout the 90 minutes. Liya Ferguson played the full 90 minutes in the midfield, while
Kamora Johnson logged 89 minutes on defense. Eiliyah Tomes played 82 minutes,
Emmi Sullivan 76 and Sarah Listrom and
Kelis Santana-Goulbourne each logged 75 minutes.
Wofford improved to 2-2-1, while South Carolina State moved to 0-5. The Terriers received goals from Drummond, Andrews and Lake, with Andrews also contributing an assist.
NOTES: FINAL: Wofford 3, South Carolina State 0
SC State standout: Jada Gittings — 10 saves, 90 minutes
SC State shot: Aaliyah Silver — 1
Corner kicks: Wofford 7, SC State 1
