RALEIGH, N.C. ? The Panthers of Georgia State were unable to hold an early lead against the East Carolina Pirates at the N.C. State/Summit Hospitality Invitational in Raleigh, N.C., losing to their opponent, 2-3, Sunday afternoon.

Georgia State (2-3-1) grabbed an early lead when junior forward Nathalie Carter kicked the ball into net just over a minute into the contest, but East Carolina (4-2-0) recorded two goals in a five-minute period to take a one-mark advantage into halftime.  

Carter struck again in the 46th minute to tie the game, but the Panthers relinquished the game-winning goal to the Pirates with less than ten minutes remaining in the contest when freshman midfielder Sarah Kirkley sent a blast into the net unassisted.  

“We came out pretty good, scored and dominated for the next ten to 15 minutes, but had a lapse and allowed East Carolina a shot that sailed over our goalkeeper,” said Panther head coach Domenic Martelli.  “We were right back in it in the second half but didn't maintain our style or play and when they took the lead at the end it was disappointing.  

“It was a game against a very good team that we could use to get back onto the winning trail,” Martelli continued.  “It wasn't a bad loss, but it's a game we could have and should have won.”

In the evenly matched contest, Georgia State was out shot by their opponent, 12-11, and recorded four less fouls, 11-15.  

Carter led the Panthers with two goals, her third and fourth on the season.  Senior midfielder Amber Collins-Cephers led the team with three shots, Carter had two and six Panthers recorded a single shot.  

For the Pirates, Tara Shaw recorded both goals in the first half, the first assisted by Amy Szilard and the second by Kirkley, who recorded the game-winning mark.  

Georgia State returns to action on Friday, Sep. 15 as the team travels to face in-state rival Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Ga. at 4 p.m.

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