ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State women's soccer will look to build on a strong defensive performance when the Lady Bulldogs travel to Rock Hill to face Winthrop on Sunday afternoon at Eagle Field.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, with Winthrop celebrating Senior Day.

South Carolina State enters the contest at 0-7-1 after battling Jacksonville to a scoreless draw Wednesday at Southern Oak Stadium. The result marked the Lady Bulldogs' first draw and first clean sheet of the 2026 season.

Junior goalkeeper Jada Gittings delivered one of her strongest performances of the season against Jacksonville, playing all 90 minutes and recording seven saves. The Dolphins generated 28 shots, including seven on goal, but Gittings and the SC State defense kept Jacksonville off the scoreboard.

Offensively, South Carolina State finished with four shots against Jacksonville. Sarah Listrom recorded the Lady Bulldogs' lone shot on goal, while Denive Guy-Williams, Aaliyah Silver and Victoria Coleman also registered attempts.

The defensive effort continued a positive stretch for the Lady Bulldogs. Three days earlier, SC State produced eight shots, including five on goal, in a 3-1 setback at Queens University of Charlotte. Senior Emmi Sullivan scored her first goal of the season in that contest, with Liya Ferguson providing the assist.

Sunday's contest will be South Carolina State's sixth consecutive road match. The Lady Bulldogs have played at Mercer, The Citadel, Wofford, College of Charleston, Queens and Jacksonville during their current stretch away from Orangeburg.

SCOUTING WINTHROP
Winthrop enters Sunday's matchup with a 2-5-1 overall record after suffering a 3-0 road loss to Wofford on Thursday.

The Eagles were held to four shots against the Terriers, but all four were on goal. Amalie Steen led Winthrop with two shots on goal, while goalkeeper Mia Ruffalo played the full 90 minutes and made two saves. Wofford finished with nine shots and five attempts on goal.

Winthrop's two victories this season include a 4-0 road win over Queens on Aug. 27. The Eagles will return home Sunday after playing their previous match at Wofford.

Sunday will also serve as Senior Day for Winthrop. The Eagles are scheduled to recognize seniors Violet Hunsaker, Monssi Avila-Gutierrez, Sophia Balliet and Gracie Smith, along with student manager Madison Bowden.

MATCHUP TO WATCH
The Lady Bulldogs will attempt to carry their defensive momentum from Jacksonville into Sunday's contest.

Gittings has been a major presence in goal for SC State, and the Lady Bulldogs demonstrated their ability to withstand sustained pressure Wednesday. Jacksonville held a 28-4 advantage in shots and 9-1 edge in corner kicks, but South Carolina State remained organized defensively and earned the clean sheet.

SC State will also look to generate more opportunities in the attacking third. The Lady Bulldogs showed offensive improvement against Queens with eight shots and five on target before emphasizing defense in the scoreless draw at Jacksonville.

Winthrop, meanwhile, will look to rebound offensively after being shut out by Wofford. The Eagles enter Sunday having scored four goals in their road victory over Queens earlier this season but were limited to four total shots Thursday against Wofford.

MATCH INFORMATION
Teams: South Carolina State (0-7-1) at Winthrop (2-5-1)
Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Eagle Field | Rock Hill, S.C.
Event: Winthrop Senior Day
SC State Last Match: T, 0-0 at Jacksonville
Winthrop Last Match: L, 3-0 at Wofford
SC STATE QUICK HITS

• Defensive breakthrough: SC State recorded its first shutout of the season in Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Jacksonville.
• Gittings in goal: Jada Gittings recorded seven saves against the Dolphins.
• Recent offense: Emmi Sullivan scored SC State's goal in a 3-1 loss at Queens, with Liya Ferguson earning the assist.
• Road tested: Sunday will continue an extended road stretch for the Lady Bulldogs.
• Looking for the breakthrough: SC State will seek its first victory of the 2026 campaign after earning its first result with Wednesday's draw.
• Winthrop enters 2-5-1: The Eagles are coming off a 3-0 loss at Wofford.
• Senior Day: Winthrop will honor its senior class before Sunday's match.

Following Sunday's contest, South Carolina State is scheduled to remain on the road and travel to Huntsville, Alabama, to face Alabama A&M on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m.
For more information on South Carolina State women's soccer, visit SC State Athletics.
— SC STATE ATHLETICS —