AIKEN, S.C. – Entering the stretch run, Clayton State (9-7, 5-5 PBC) surrendered a pair of first half goals to USC Aiken (3-10-1, 3-5-0 PBC) before falling by a 2-0 score in an NCAA Division II women's soccer game on Friday, October 23.

In what was a clear mismatch on paper, the Lakers faced a USCA team that was in complete control in the first half. Following 18 minutes of scoreless play, the Pacers' Jenna Beauregard would break through with a goal from 15 yards out for a 1-0 lead at 18:31.

Nearly 18 minutes later, they would strike again as Brye Epley drove deep into the defense and passed off to Akeyla Furbert for score from five yards out. That 2-0 margin would hold up and take the teams to half. Over the first 45 minutes, Clayton State was held to just two shots, neither on goal, while USC Aiken fired off six and put four on net.

In the second half, the Lakers limited the Pacers to just one shot but would manage only four themselves. All four of those would be on net but they would be unable to push any past the keeper as USC Aiken put away the 2-0 victory.

Furburt and Beauregard would record the only goals of the game and Epley and Amanda Mazzie each notched an assist to account for the offense. In goal, Nicole Cranny went the distance, making four saves to earn the shutout and improve to 2-4 on the season.

Senior midfielder Maria Marti Bartis (Girona, Spain) led Clayton State with three shots, two on goal, while senior defender Lucy Cunningham (Formby, Liverpool, England) and senior forward Jencilia Villaverde (Palm Bay, Fla.) had the only other shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Charlotte McCormack (Wexford, Ireland) played all 90 minutes and made a pair of saves while surrendering both goals. She falls to 8-7 on the year.

The Lakers close out the regular season on Wednesday, October 28 when they take on Young Harris. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in Young Harris, Ga.