Barnesville, GA - The Gordon State Highlanders returned to action with a 4-2 non-region victory over Polk State College on Saturday Sept. 15th. Following a 2 hour "weather delay", the Highlanders were rewarded for their high pressure and quick play with a goal just 5 minutes into the match. Sophomore Brittany Colangelo slipped Freshman Ashley Hendrix in behind the Eagles back-line where Hendrix opened the scoring with a classy flick over the goalkeeper.   

The Highlanders followed their opening goal by continuing their high pressure defensive while taking advantage of solid movement that opened up the Eagles defense. The Highlanders doubled their lead in the 11th minute after a series of slick passing that was capped off by Freshman Jennifer Beharie finding Sophomore Alex Chapman as she cut through the Eagles defense and scored her second goal of the season. That score would hold for the remainder of the first half.

The second half opened with more competitive play from both teams that resulted in Polk State cutting into the Highlanders lead in the 60th minute. As play continued both teams were unable to cash in on opportunities to score until the 79th minute when reigning conference player of the year Izzy Vazquez extended Gordon State's lead. The play began with Alex Chapman driving into the box following a short corner kick and firing a shot on goal that was knocked down by Polk State's goal keeper. Quickest to react, Vazquez calmly placed the ball into the back of the net. 

The Highlanders put the game away for good in the 85th minute when Alex Chapman added her second assist on the afternoon by powering a shot that the Eagles goalkeeper knocked down to an on-rushing Kayleigh McQueen who fired home the Highlanders final goal of the match. Polk State would score a consolation goal in the 88th minute to bring the final score to 4-2.

Gordon State will host Andrew College as they return to Region 17 play Tuesday, September 17 (game time possibly moved to 7:00 PM)