MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Georgia College & State University maintained consistent pressure on Lincoln Memorial University, but two key goals led to a 2-0 Railsplitter victory in a non-conference women's soccer Saturday (Sept. 5) afternoon matinee at the Bobcat Soccer Field.
The Bobcats split their first two contests of the year, falling to 1-1, while Lincoln Memorial claims their first victory of the year, improving to 1-1-2. GCSU looks to bounce back with a midweek home showdown under the lights against the University of Montevallo Wednesday (Sept. 9) at 7 p.m. Â
The contest started back and forth, with each team finding holes in the other's defense, yet neither could finish the job and find the net until the 31:18 mark. Donna Van Der Zalm found the goal off an assist from Jada Brown, placing the ball in the top right corner with a header.Â
It would not be long until the Railsplitter struck for another goal, this time from a partnership of Paige Branam and Emma Odonnel, with the former using a powerful kick across goal to sneak it in by the left post.Â
Neither team let up in the second half, and both sides combined for 18 shots, with 11 coming from GCSU; however, LMU goalkeeper Emma Cooke made five essential saves in the second half to seal the victory.Â
Alayna Cobb led with five shots, followed by Mia Palumbo with three shots, all on goal. KJ Wells, Jenni Järventaus, Madelyn Heckathorn, and Rilieigh Raftelis all had two shots.Â
Kassidy Fortin made three saves in goal for the Bobcats.
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About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. 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."
