ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Oct. 13, 2026) — The South Carolina State women's soccer team displayed determination and continued effort Tuesday afternoon but came up short in a 3-0 loss to Charleston Southern in nonconference action at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.
Despite the setback, the Lady Bulldogs showed resilience throughout the contest, highlighted by a strong individual performance from midfielder Aaliyah Silver and several key defensive stops in the second half.
SC State (0-13-1) continued to battle against a Charleston Southern squad that improved to 4-9 overall.
The Lady Bulldogs wasted little time establishing an offensive presence as Silver recorded the team's first scoring opportunity just 46 seconds into the contest. Her early attempt was stopped by Charleston Southern goalkeeper Avery Mason.
The Buccaneers broke through in the 19th minute when Danika Birch scored her sixth goal of the season at the 18:53 mark, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
SC State continued working defensively to limit additional scoring opportunities, but Charleston Southern extended its lead just before halftime when Hailey Swenson found the back of the net at the 44:12 mark.
Trailing 2-0 at intermission, the Lady Bulldogs returned to the field looking to establish a stronger defensive presence and create opportunities in the attacking third.
One of the bright spots for SC State came in the second half, when goalkeeper Alexa Smith recorded two saves to help keep the Lady Bulldogs within striking distance.
Smith turned away a scoring opportunity from Charleston Southern's Amelie Boyle in the 55th minute and later stopped an attempt by Claire Deangelis in the 80th minute.
The Buccaneers added their final goal at the 79:36 mark when Rachel Gopalakrishnan scored to extend the advantage to 3-0.
SC State continued competing until the final whistle, generating a late offensive opportunity when Silver fired another shot on goal in the 86th minute. Mason made the save, and the Lady Bulldogs earned a corner kick moments later.
Although Charleston Southern held a 13-2 advantage in total shots,
both of SC State's attempts were on target, demonstrating the Lady Bulldogs' ability to create accurate scoring opportunities when moving into the attacking third.
The Lady Bulldogs also improved their possession percentage from 37% in the opening half to approximately 43% in the second half, reflecting a more competitive effort in maintaining possession after halftime.
SC State Game Highlights
- Aaliyah Silver leads the offense: The midfielder recorded both of SC State's shots, placing each attempt on goal. Her opportunities came in the opening minute and late in the second half.
- Alexa Smith delivers key saves: The Lady Bulldogs goalkeeper played all 90 minutes and finished with two saves, both coming in the second half.
- Strong defensive minutes: Vanessa Coleman, Kamora Johnson and Emmi Sullivan each played the full 90 minutes, providing consistency along the Lady Bulldogs' defensive unit.
- Improved second-half possession: SC State increased its possession percentage after halftime, finishing with 40% possession for the match.
- Offensive accuracy: The Lady Bulldogs placed both of their shots on target, finishing with a 100% shots-on-goal percentage.
- Late offensive push: Silver's shot in the 86th minute forced a save and helped generate SC State's lone corner kick of the contest.
- Continued team effort: The Lady Bulldogs utilized 19 players throughout the match, providing valuable playing time and experience as the team continues developing.
By the Numbers
| Statistical Category |
SC State |
Charleston Southern |
| Final Score |
0 |
3 |
| Total Shots |
2 |
13 |
| Shots on Goal |
2 |
5 |
| Goalkeeper Saves |
2 |
2 |
| Corner Kicks |
1 |
7 |
| Possession |
40% |
60% |
| Fouls |
6 |
4 |
| Yellow Cards |
0 |
0 |
