WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
* Georgia State shutout Appalachian State 3-0 in the Sun Belt opener, played at Georgia Gwinnett College due to rainy conditions.
* The Panthers have won 3 straight and improve to 5-3 on the season.
* GSU remains among the top 25 teams in the NCAA in scoring with 19 goals in 8 games.
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - Georgia State opened the Sun Belt Conference season with a 3-0 shutout win on the field at Georgia Gwinnett College northeast of Atlanta.
The Panthers moved the game to the all-weather turf due to the heavy rains in Atlanta. Tonight's match had light rain and a lightning delay, but the conditions were fine for play as a result of the turf.
Georgia State won a third consecutive match to improve to 5-3 on the season and Appalachian State slips to 3-5.
GSU and ASU battled through a scoreless first half and lightning stoppage. In the second half, freshman Max Hemmings got the hosts on the board with a header off a pass from Eddie Wilding at 51:04.
The Panthers struck again at 72:56 when a corner kick by Liam Fitzsimmons was headed into the goal by senior Conor Acheson.
Georgia State's third and final goal came at 78:46 when Rashid Alarape had the honors after a pass from Eddie Wilding.
Goalkeeper Greyson Walldorff had three saves in anchoring the defensive effort that results in the shutout. GSU had an 11-4 advantage in corner kicks and 14-11 shot edge.
"One of our goals was to get a win in the Sun Belt opener this year and start on the right foot since we didn't do that last year," head coach Brett Surrency said. "So, we can feel good tonight after this effort and producing a league win. We appreciate Georgia Gwinnett's staff for their help in getting this match played."
Georgia State travels to Nashville, Tenn. for a Tuesday night non-conference match at Belmont at 7 p.m.
