GREENWOOD – The Lander women’s soccer team got a second half goal from Logan Lewis that went the distance, as the Bearcats defeated visiting Clayton State 1-0 on Saturday night in the Peach Belt Conference opener for both teams at Van Taylor Stadium.
The Bearcats (4-1, 1-0 PBC) earned their second shutout of the season in the victory, as Sarah Owen made six saves on 12 Laker shots.
“The girls worked hard,” said head coach Chris Ayer. “We struggled a little in the first half to find our rhythm, but we got that figured out at halftime. Clayton State was a really good team, but our girls found a way to win. Logan stepped up and scored a great goal with great individual effort and a little divine intervention.”
After a scoreless first half, Lander struck in the 54th minute when Emily Jermstad delivered a long pass down the middle of the pitch to Lewis. The senior fired a shot that was deflected by Clayton State goalkeeper Jessica Charman and rolled off the right post. Lewis, whose grandfather passed away on Friday night, outraced her defender to the goal followed the shot in to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead.
The Lakers had an opportunity to notch the equalizer just over two minutes later, but Manoly Baquerizo’s penalty kick sailed over the crossbar.
Both teams fired 12 shots, while Clayton State tallied four corner kicks to Lander’s two. Charman made seven saves in the losing effort.
The Bearcats will head back out on the road next week, traveling to Flagler for a 5:00 p.m. tilt on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
