What you need to know:
* The Panthers defeated SE Louisiana 2-0 in their final non-conference match of the season.
* Freshman Erin Rhodes scored her first career goal to win the game for GSU.
* The team will be back on the field at UL Lafayette on Sept. 16 to open up Sun Belt play.
HAMMOND, La.- The Georgia State women's soccer team closed out the non-conference portion of the regular season with a win on the road, defeating SE Louisiana 2-0. Freshman Erin Rhodes scored her first career goal which proved to be the game winner.
The Panthers opened the match strong, taking eight shots in the first half. Rhodes scored her first career goal in the 34th minute off an assist from senior Alexis Thomas. Rhodes led the team in shots with five, three of which were on target.
Georgia State came out of the half ahead 1-0 with the Lions, and concentrated on the defensive side of the ball. The team took just five shots in the second half, with SE Louisiana outshooting the Panthers 14-13, but holding them out of the net
Redshirt-junior Brie Haynes led the defensive effort with nine saves, tying her single-game career high for saves. Haynes secured the fifth shutout of the season for Georgia State.
Junior Kylie Ruffule put GSU ahead of the Lions 2-0 in the 46th minute, scoring off an assist from sophomore Caitlin Ray. Ruffule took three shots during the match while Ray took four.
“We're very happy to come back with a win, especially after two lightning delays,” head coach Ed Joyce said. “I thought the girls showed a lot of maturity today in how they played today. I'm excited for Erin to have scored the game-winner and for Kylie to have her first goal this season. They both have worked very hard and it's nice to see it pay off.”
The Panthers will open their conference schedule on the road at UL Lafayette on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. Live stats will be available at GeorgiaStateSports.com.
