By: Bailey Clark. Sports Information Graduate Assistant

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga.- Georgia College & State University Soccer (1-2-1) had a superb home opening 5-1 win over the University of Auburn at Montgomery (0-3), Saturday. 

The Bobcat offense started the game strong as they scored three goals in the first half. The first goal came in the 13th minute of play off the foot of Taylor Salvaggio (Bethlehem). Salvaggio was able to coral the ball after a Bobcat goal kick and finesse her way to the goal for the score. As the half progressed, GCSU felt a sense of urgency in the final five minutes of the half scoring two goals. Ellie Watson (Newnan) scored her second career goal in the 40th minute of play on the pass from Aralyn Everett (Covington). Everett took a high shot and the Warhawks goalkeeper tipped the ball into the crossbar where Watson was able to knock in the goal on a header. Sarah Mason (Atlanta) took that momentum and scored in the 44th minute of the first half for her first career goal. Sydney Charles (Baton Rouge, La.) had the ball on the left half of the field and played Mason up the middle for a goal.

The second half was just as productive as the first for the hot offense of GCSU. Sophomore Amanda Dewey (Johns Creek) kicked off the second half with a goal in the 60th minute of play. Alexis Bergamini (West Suffield, Conn.) had the assist as she shot the ball and it ricocheted off the of goalkeeper for Dewey to knock in the goal. Mason scored her second goal of the contest to close out an impressive offensive team performance. Everett picked up her second assist of the game as she crossed the ball to Mason around the 18-yard box for the goal. GCSU had a total of 27 shots through the contest with 20 of them on goal. 

The Bobcat defense had a spectacular day as they only allowed five shots through the entire contest with two on goal. Freshman keeper Mya Necolettos (Davie, Fla.) made her first appearance of the regular season getting the relief effort for senior Kate Richardson (Marietta).

The Bobcats are back in action Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the University of West Georgia (1-1). Kick off is set for 6 p.m. with live stats and broadcast links available at GCBobcats.com.

As a proud recipient of the 2021 PBC Sportsmanship Institution of the Year, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GC Athletics is now two-time winners of both the PBC Commissioner's Cup and the league's sportsmanship honor. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports.