What you need to know:

* The Panthers are 5-3-5 overall and 2-1-3 in league play.
* The team defeated rival Georgia Southern 2-1, earning the first point for the Panthers in the annual rival series.
* Freshman Brooke Shank scored twice for GSU, upping her goal total to three and tying her for first on the team in goals.

ATLANTA- The Georgia State women's soccer team defeated rival Georgia Southern 2-1 on Friday night, earning the first point for the Panthers in the annual rivalry series. Freshman Brooke Shank scored both GSU goals, upping her total to three this season.

The Panthers improved to 5-3-5 overall (2-1-2 Sun Belt), while the Eagles fell to 5-8-1 overall (2-5-0 Sun Belt). Georgia State has four matches remaining and are currently tied for fourth in the Sun Belt standings. The top eight teams qualify for the Sun Belt Championship next month.

Shank scored quickly in the first half, putting the Panthers up 1-0 at the nine minute mark. She put her second goal in the net with 20 minutes left in the match, scoring on a deflection off the Georgia Southern keeper.

The Panthers shut out the Eagles in the first half, but a late goal from Sarah Price with seven minutes left in the match put the score at 2-1.

GSU had a great defensive effort, holding Georgia Southern to just four shots during the match. The Panthers took 10 shots against the Eagles, with Shank recording seven. Alexis Thomas, Callie O'Connor, and Erin Rhodes also recorded shots.

“I've very happy to see the girls get the win tonight, especially at home,” said head coach Ed Joyce. “We're really happy with Brooke Shank's performance and scoring both goals. Now we're looking forward to turning around and doing it again on Sunday.”

The Panthers will return to the field Sunday afternoon to host UL Monroe in Panthersville. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. against the Warhawks. Admission is free to the GSU Soccer Complex.