Highlanders Defeat Hawks In Return Matchup

DOUGLAS, Ga. -- Gordon State Soccer resumed Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) play Sunday evening by shutting out the South Georgia State Hawks 2-0.

The Highlanders victory evens the season series between the two schools with one win apiece.

From the start of the match, GSC applied constant pressure attempting to unlock the Hawks defense. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when freshman Emma Lovell (Tavernier, Fla. / Coral Shores HS) won a tackle in the midfield, then split the Hawks defensive line with a pass into the path of freshman Bailey Arnold (Bethlehem, Ga. / Apalachee HS) who coolly placed the ball into the side netting. 

Just 10 minutes later, Lovell doubled the Highlanders lead when she pounced on a loose ball in the Hawks' penalty area and fired it past a helpless SGSC goalkeeper. 

GSC controlled play for the final 15 minutes of the first half and took a 2-0 lead to the break. 

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. The Highlanders controlled the play and found themselves with scoring opportunities, but were unable to extend their lead. 

Most importantly, South Georgia State was unable to create any scoring threats of their own throughout the match. The comfortable shutout was a result of the Highlanders dedication to total team defending.

With the win, Gordon State's record is 5-2 overall, 4-2 in GCAA play while SGSC dropped their first conference match and fell to 3-2-1 overall and 3-1-1 in the GCAA.

The Highlanders will be on the road this Wednesday, May 5 in Milledgeville when they take on Georgia Military College at 7 p.m. ET.

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The Gordon State College Department of Athletics is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA). Gordon State College competes in NJCAA Division I in the sports of Women's Soccer (Fall), Men's Basketball (Fall/Spring), Softball (Spring) and Baseball (Spring). Gordon State College is located in Barnesville, Ga., approximately 60 miles south of Atlanta and 35 miles northwest of Macon. Gordon State College offers both two-year and four-year degree programs and believes that our Athletics program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to be successful academically, athletically and in life after their time as a Highlander.  Follow GSC Athletics at www.gscathletics.com, on Facebook (@Gordon State Highlanders) and Twitter (@state_ad / GordonStateAD). You can also follow Gordon State College on Facebook (@GordonStateCollege #GSCHighlandersForward), Twitter (@GordonState) and Instagram (gordon_state).