ATLANTA – The Georgia State University women's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to 16th-ranked William & Mary, Friday afternoon in Panthersville.
The Tribe of William & Mary scored two quick goals in the first 15 minutes of the contest and added a third in the 23rd minute.
Sophomore midfielder Abby Lauer scored first off a free kick from 40-yards out that sailed over Georgia State goalkeeper Charlotte Vargo in the 10th minute. The second goal came just over a minute later when sophomore forward Claire Zimmeck drove a diving header into the net off a Lauer pass. The Tribe scored their third goal when junior midfielder Mary MacKenzie Grier touched the ball into net amidst traffic in front of the goal. Lauer and freshman forward Kellie Jenkins assisted on the goal.
Despite the Tribe's offensive production in the first half, Georgia State kept their heads up and continued to fight throughout the second period. After being out shot 13-0 in the first half, the Panthers held a 5-4 advantage in the second period and had one second-period corner kick to zero for the Tribe.
"William & Mary was very good and their forward play was dangerous,” said Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli. “But, the second half, once we settled in, they didn't have any scoring opportunities. To come back as well as we did in the first half is a tribute to the girls wanting to show their better than those three goals we gave up in the second half.”
The Georgia State offense was led by sophomore forward Kay Harbrueger who recorded two shots; three other Panthers each recorded a shot in the contest.
Georgia State's postseason hopes did not end with Friday's loss to William & Mary, but the Panthers need help. James Madison, who currently holds the sixth and final position for the Colonial Athletic Association Championships, increased their conference point total to 13 with a win at Towson. The Panthers could get to 13 points with wins in their remaining two games, but they also need James Madison to lose out and need additional assistance.
The Panthers next hit the road to face conference foe Old Dominion in Norfolk, Va. on Sunday, October 22 at 1 p.m.
