Box Score PANTHERSVILLE, GA – For 78 minutes, the Alabama State women's soccer season offered a glimpse into how they've improved over the past season since last facing Georgia State nearly a year to the day.

It hustled for more 50/50 balls, connected stronger passes in the midfield, and spoiled plenty of GSU chances as the Lady Hornets went toe-to-toe with a Panthers team that finished 11-6-4 last season and knocked off two higher playoff seeds in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. 

After a one-hour lightning delay , Alabama State and Georgia State played to a 0-0 tie deep into the second half before the Lady Panthers broke through to carry out a 3-0 win in each team's season opener Friday night in Panthersville. 

The outcome was decided in the 79^th minute when Caitlin Ray found space down the far sideline and centered a pass to Alexis Thomas for the winning goal.

Three minutes later, Callie O'Connor took a shot from deep outside the box that found the upper left corner of the net.

Brooke Shank scored the final goal off the feed from Ray in the 86^th minute.

In the opening half, possession favored the Panthers by approximately a 60/40 split with the Lady Hornets staying engaged in the effort. 

The ASU defensive back line of Alanna Manning, Kayla Edwards, Mercedes Padilla and Kaitlyn Farrar hustled hard and broke up GSU opportunities throughout the night as the Lady Panthers were only able to grab seven shots on goal for the game.

The Lady Hornets had difficulty getting forward in the attack, but still saw some opportunities.  With a defender closing in, Ariela Lewis took a shot that sailed wide off a nice set up by Lexi Krieger around the 70^th minute. 

On a corner kick, Ar. Lewis sent in a ball in front where Padilla headed it over the top of the net. 

Ar. Lewis led the squad with three shots and one on target. 

Zaria Maynard got the start in goal and stayed solid for most of the night, rushing out of net on occasion to stop the push and stretched to make four saves. 

Alabama State will return for their home opener against Austin Peay on Sunday at 1 p.m.

                                                                                                   #GOHORNETS#