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MORROW, Ga. – Taking on their first in-region opponent, Clayton State (3-1, 0-0 PBC) delivered their best performance of the season with a 2-0 victory over Queens University of Charlotte ( 2-2, 0-0 SAC) in an NCAA Division II women's soccer game on Friday, September 11.

Before fans could even settle into their seats, All-American senior midfielder Maria Marti Bartis (Girona, Spain) put the Lakers ahead 1-0. With the ball in the offensive end, a field change from right to left was followed by a hard cross from junior forward Denisha Paskell (McDonough, Ga.). That pass banged off of a defender and was promptly recovered by Marti Bartis, who buried into the back of the net at the 1:46 mark.

The teams would go on to combine for 11 more shots (seven for Clayton State, four for QUC) the rest of the half but none would find the back of the net. That trend would continue into the final 45 minutes, right up until senior forward Jencilia Villaverde (Palm Bay, Fla.) broke away down the left sideline in the 67th minute.

From the far left wing, the speedy forward fired off a high arcing shot that lofted over the keeper's outstretched hands, landing in the back right corner for a 2-0 lead at the 66:49 mark. The Lakers would then pepper off four more shots the rest of the way but the Royals would be held to just two attempts over that time, neither of which would be on goal. From there, the defense took care of business and secured their first shutout of the season, a feat they achieved eight times a year ago.

Daniele Nicosia and Charlotte Ring came closest to producing any offense for Queens, with both recording a pair of shots and one on goal. In net, Tori Danchak played all 90 minutes, making six saves and allowing both scores to fall to 2-1.

Marti Bartis delivered her team leading third goal of the year and Villaverde added her assist to account for Clayton State's offense. While they handled that side of the ball, the defense anchored the backfield, allowing just seven shots with only three coming on goal. Senior goalkeeper Charlotte McCormack (Wexford, Ireland) went the distance in net, making three saves and pitching her first shutout of the season to improve to 3-1 on the year.

The Lakers return to the road after completing their mini two game homestand, beginning a three-game trip at Valdosta State (0-3) on Tuesday, September 15. Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Valdosta, Ga.

NOTES
With her shutout tonight, Charlotte McCormack now has 17 for her career … Judith Chime (2002-05) holds the career mark with 25.