Jenna Bishop scored a goal with just over 10 minutes remaining as the Lady Bruins soccer team defeated South Carolina State University (NCAA DI) on the road on Friday night in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The win marks the first in program history over an NCAA DI opponent and marks the fifth win in a row for the team.
"We played with tremendous heart and passion tonight," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Our possession was very good given the amount of pressure SCSU was putting on us all throughout. We finished a very challenging match for a great win!"
The Bruins came into the match in the midst of a winning streak, having held their last three opponents scoreless. The team knew they would be in for a tough challenge as they would be without senior captain Kristyn Rygh for the match. More so, the Bruins would be facing a tough opponent who was in search of a win after coming into the match in the midst of a five-game losing streak.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins and Bulldogs exchanged possession as each team tried to set the pace for the game. The Bruins were able to possess the ball well thanks to the midfield play of Jenna Bishop and company as they worked the ball into the attacking third. Despite great possession, the Bruins struggled to find scoring opportunities as the team was only able to take one shot the entire first half.
The Bulldogs were able to create chances of their own but Bruins' keeper Angelina Martin came up with several big saves to keep SCSU off the scoreboard. Despite momentum swings back and forth, the first half ended as it began in a scoreless 0-0 tie.
As the second half began, the Bruins used their halftime adjustments to continue to possess well and create chances on the attack. This half, the Bruins were able to execute better combination play which freed up more chances on frame. Still, the team wasn't able to find the back of the net as the Bulldogs turned aside each chance.
With the match beginning to wind down, the Bruins finally broke through as Jenna Bishop threaded the defense and beat the Bulldog keeper with a well-placed shot on a breakaway to put the Bruins up 1-0. The Bruins bench went crazy as the team celebrated the late-game heroics.
The Bulldogs came right back on the attack hoping to find the equalizer in the closing minutes of the game. The Bruins defense, anchored by Jenny Townsend and Korbyn Griffith turned aside chances with the final buzzer ending any chances of a comeback as the Bruins celebrated a tough road win.
"I am beyond proud of this team," Bruins midfielder Jenna Bishop said after netting her second goal of the season. "We played so well together and credit our defense and Angelina for keeping us in the game again and again."
The Bruins were out shot 12-5 in the match including a 6-4 on goal margin. Still, the Bruins were able to take advantage of their opportunities to get the win. Angelina Martin was brilliant in net for the Bruins as she recorded eleven saves on the night. With the win, the Bruins improve to 7-4 on the season.
Next up, the Bruins will return home on Monday night for the first of three games at Alumni Stadium next week. The Bruins will welcome Erskine College with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
