SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On what was labeled as "Family Day," the USC Upstate women's soccer team did not disappoint family members that were in attendance as they defeated Lipscomb, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at County University Soccer Stadium.

The Spartans (3-8-0, 1-2-0) and Bisons (4-8-0, 0-4-0) battled on a field that had conditions that were less than desirable thanks in large part to continuous rain showers that began overnight and continued until about 15 minutes before start of the match.

"I am really proud of the team today for battling for the full 90 minutes today," said head coach Renee Lopez.  "We took advantage of our attacking chances and our back line played solid.  We had several key players step up for us including Rachel Collins.  Rachel showed today that she is a defensive force in goal for us and I am pleased with her stepping up for us.  Lipscomb is a high-pressure team, but we adapted well and I am excited about picking up our first conference win of 2010."

In the first half, both teams recorded four shots, while Lipscomb recorded three shots on-goal with Upstate tallying two.  Upstate's first half scoring chances came in the 21^st-minute as Courtney Mack (St. Leonard, Md./Calvert) had her shot saved by Lipscomb keeper Erin Zerio.  In the 36^th-minute, Alyssa Roegner (Shelby Township, Mich./Eisenhower) was denied by Zerio.

In the 70^th-minute, Jessica Jackrya (Cary, N.C./Apex) took a shot from the right side of the field, approximately 35 yards out and it found its way into the top left corner of the goal, giving the Spartans the 1-0 advantage. 

Similar to Upstate's victory on Sept. 10 over Morehead State, the Spartans faced heavy pressure from the Bisons in the final 20 minutes.  But the Spartans held tough and first-year head coach Renee Lopez earned her first Atlantic Sun Conference victory. 

Sunday's victory also ties the all-time series between Upstate and Lipscomb at 2-2.  Since joining the A-Sun in 2007, the Bisons have been victorious in odd years (2007 & 2009), while the Spartans have claimed victories in even years (2008 & 2010).

Lipscomb led the way on Sunday afternoon in shots (10-6), shots on-goal (8-3) and corner kicks (8-3).  Upstate goalkeeper Rachel Collins (Raleigh, N.C./Athens Drive) played the full 90 minutes and recorded eight saves.  Lipscomb's Erin Zerio recorded two saves on Sunday.  Upstate and Lipscomb were each whistled for five fouls, while the Bisons were called offsides once.

Upstate will return to action next weekend when it travels to the River City for a pair of conference matches.  The Spartans will battle Jacksonville on Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m., before facing North Florida on Oct. 3 at 2:00 p.m.