MORROW, Ga. – A two goal first half was all Clayton State (8-5-1, 5-4-1 PBC) would need as they dropped USC Aiken (4-12-0, 2-7-0 PBC) by a 3-0 score in an NCAA Division II women's soccer game on Saturday, October 22.
 
Both teams were equal to the task defensively over the first 25 minutes before a foul in the box by USCA presented a golden opportunity for the Lakers. That foul resulted in a penalty kick taken by graduate midfielder Maria Marti Bartis (Girona, Spain). Clayton State's third-all-time leading scorer did not disappoint as she delivered her team leading ninth goal of the year, powering it to the upper right of the net at 25:25.
 
That 1-0 lead would remain that way over the next 16 minutes until senior midfielder Claudia Granja (Barcelona, Spain) headed a shot on goal. On the ensuing rebound, senior forward Denisha Paskell (McDonough, Ga.) drilled home her third goal of the year to extend to a 2-0 lead with 41:57 gone by.
 
It would remain a two goal difference until the 72:39 mark of the half as Marti Bartis pounded a shot that the keeper fell on it but could not keep control. Sophomore midfielder Marie Durr (Stockbridge, Ga.) capitalized on the loose ball, collecting it and putting it home for a 3-0 advantage. With solid defense the rest of the way, that would end as the final margin 17 minutes later.
 
Marti Bartis finished with a goal and an assist to lead Clayton State while Paskell and Durr notched their solo goals. Granja added the only other assist in the game to round out the offense. Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Jessica Charman (Harefield, England) was rock solid in goal, notching her third shutout of the season. In 90 minutes she made four saves and posted a clean sheet to move to 7-5-1 on the year.
 
For the Pacers, Abby Frick led the way with three shots, two on goal, while Brye Epley had a pair of shots, putting one on net. Karin Cadwalader played all 90 minutes and made nine saves against three goals allowed. She drops to 4-12 on the season.
 
The Lakers are back in action on Wednesday, October 26 when they travel to No. 12 North Georgia (10-1-2, 7-1-1 PBC). Game time is set for 5 p.m. in Dahlonega, Georgia.