JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — South Carolina State turned in one of its strongest defensive performances of the season Wednesday evening, battling Jacksonville to a 0-0 draw in women's soccer action at Southern Oak Stadium.
The Lady Bulldogs (0-7-1) withstood consistent offensive pressure from the Dolphins (1-2-2) and remained composed through the final whistle to earn their first draw of the season. Neither team found the back of the net through 90 minutes.
Goalkeeper
Jada Gittings anchored the South Carolina State defensive effort, playing all 90 minutes and recording
seven saves while allowing no goals. Jacksonville generated 28 shots, including seven on goal, but Gittings and the Lady Bulldogs' defense turned away every opportunity.
South Carolina State finished with four shots, including one on goal. Sarah Listrom provided the Lady Bulldogs' best opportunity, putting a shot on frame in the 75th minute that Jacksonville goalkeeper Sofia Mosquera Chaverra saved.
Denive Guy-Williams, Aaliyah Silver and
Victoria Coleman also registered shots for SC State.
The Lady Bulldogs showed resilience early, taking three of their four shots during the opening 45 minutes. Guy-Williams fired high in the 10th minute, Silver had an attempt blocked in the 16th minute and Coleman sent a shot wide right in the 21st minute. Meanwhile, Gittings made two first-half saves to help send the teams into halftime scoreless.
Jacksonville increased the pressure after halftime, producing 19 second-half shots. SC State's defense continued to hold firm, with Gittings making five saves over the final 45 minutes. Her work was especially important late as she stopped Paula Herranz attempts in the 87th and 89th minutes to preserve the shutout.
The Dolphins held a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks and finished with 64% possession, but the Lady Bulldogs made their defensive opportunities count and kept Jacksonville off the scoreboard. SC State committed nine fouls compared with eight for Jacksonville, while each side received one yellow card.
The result gives South Carolina State a hard-earned road point and a clean sheet after a disciplined 90-minute effort. The 0-0 draw moved the Lady Bulldogs to
0-7-1 on the season.
FINAL: South Carolina State 0, Jacksonville 0.
