ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State women's soccer battled until the final whistle but came up just short in a 2-1 loss to Southern Wesleyan on Senior Day on Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium's Willie Jeffries Field.
The Lady Bulldogs (0-10-1) controlled much of the offensive action, finishing with a 13-3 advantage in shots and putting nine attempts on goal. Southern Wesleyan improved to 4-5 with the victory.
Southern Wesleyan struck early when Lucia Fernandez scored in the third minute off an assist from Maya Drew to give the Warriors a 1-0 advantage.
SC State responded with consistent pressure throughout the opening half.
Victoria Coleman put a pair of shots on target, while Eiliyah Tomes, Ava Philyaw and Sarah Listrom also forced saves from Southern Wesleyan goalkeeper Ester Carabano Barbero.
The Lady Bulldogs' persistence paid off just before halftime. Aaliyah Silver scored her first goal of the season in the 44th minute off an assist from Philyaw, sending the teams into the break tied 1-1.
SC State continued to create opportunities in the second half, but Fernandez delivered the eventual game-winner for Southern Wesleyan in the 69th minute, scoring her second goal of the match to put the Warriors ahead 2-1.
The Lady Bulldogs continued to push for the equalizer. Listrom placed another attempt on goal in the 79th minute, while
Vanessa Coleman had two late scoring opportunities as SC State kept the pressure on Southern Wesleyan's defense. The Warriors held on over the closing minutes to secure the one-goal victory.
SC State outshot Southern Wesleyan 8-2 in the opening half and 5-1 after halftime for a 13-3 overall advantage. The Bulldogs also held a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. Carabano Barbero made eight saves for the Warriors, while SC State goalkeeper
Jada Gittings recorded one save.
Tomes led SC State with three shots, including two on goal.
Victoria Coleman and Listrom each finished with two shots on target, while Silver, Ayla Tindall and Philyaw also registered shots on goal.
The Lady Bulldogs honored their senior class as part of Senior Day festivities before the match.
FINAL: Southern Wesleyan 2, SC State 1
Records: SC State 0-10-1 | Southern Wesleyan 4-5
SC State goal: Aaliyah Silver (43:35), assist Ava Philyaw
Shots: SC State 13, Southern Wesleyan 3
Shots on goal: SC State 9, Southern Wesleyan 3
