What you need to know:
* The Panthers opened their season with a 3-0 win over Alabama State on Friday night.
* Alexis Thomas had the game-winning goal and freshman Brooke Shank had her first career goal.
* The team will be back on the field on Monday night at Kennesaw State.
ATLANTA- The Georgia State women's soccer team opened the regular season on Friday night defeating Alabama State 3-0. Senior Alexis Thomas had the game-winning goal and freshman Brooke Shank had her first career goal in the win.
Following a one-hour lightning delay, the Panthers took early control of the ball. The team had a great defensive showing, holding the Hornets to zero shots in the first half.
GSU had 13 shots in the first half, with senior Callie O'Connor leading the team with five. Two near goals were saved by Alabama State goal keeper Zaria Maynard, leaving the score 0-0 at the half.
The team continued to maintain control of the ball in the second half, making nine shots and holding ASU to just five.
In the 79th minute of play, Thomas scored the first goal for the Panthers with an assist from sophomore Caitlin Ray. O'Connor quickly followed with another goal two minutes later, putting GSU up 2-0. The final goal was scored by Shank with less than five minutes to play and another assist by Ray.
“It was good to get a win in the first game of the season, and it was great to see some of the things we've been working on come together at the end,” head coach Ed Joyce said. “Now we are looking forward to getting back on the field on Monday.”
The Panthers will return to the field on Monday for a clash against cross-town foe Kennesaw State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live stats will be available at GeorgiaStateSports.com.
