Valdosta, Ga. - Olivia Mills and the Valdosta State soccer defense stood strong for their third shutout of the year, and a 3-0 victory over Gulf South Conference rival Alabama-Huntsville on Sunday afternoon at the VSU Soccer Complex.
The Blazers spread their attack out offensively, receiving contributions from Blakely McClellan, Margaret Stauffer, and Nicole Polk, who combined for one goal apiece in the first half.
Valdosta State jumped out to an early 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the contest when McClellan took a beautiful lob pass over the head of a Charger defender from freshman Kayla Robles and connected for her second goal of the 2013 campaign.
Just over 11 minutes later, Stauffer blistered a shot over the keeper from just outside the 18 yard box on the far right wing for her second goal of the season. The pass came from McClellan, who finished the day with one goal, one assist, and three shots, one of which was off the crossbar.
The Blazers third and final goal came from Nicole Polk, a freshman from Leesburg, Ga., who broke away and delivered a strong shot that was contested tightly by Charger keeper Iris Gunnarsdottir. Despite a deflection by the keeper, Polk struck the ball well enough to power the shot into the net for the score.
Solid defense for both squads in the second period resulted in a scoreless second half for both teams and a 3-0 final score.
The Blazers will begin a two game travel schedule next weekend, facing Delta State at 4:30 p.m. on September 20th, followed by another road conference match against Christian Brothers at 1:00 p.m. on September 22.
Valdosta State returns home on September 27th to host West Alabama. For all information regarding VSU Blazer soccer, stay tuned to www.vstateblazers.com.
