Box Score (PDF)

Boiling Springs, N.C. – Despite holding a 20-8 edge in shots, the USC Upstate women's soccer team played to a 0-0 draw with in-state foe South Carolina State in the opening game of the Under Armour Border Classic from Greene-Harbison Field.

In a first half that featured only eight shots combined, USC Upstate managed to put together the only two legitimate scoring opportunities. Sophomore midfielder Kenzie Major (Rome, Ga.) was responsible for both scoring opportunities, but each of her shots on goal midway through the half were gobbled up by South Carolina State keeper Haley Austin.

Upstate (1-4-2) earned a corner kick with just minutes remaining in the opening half, but the Spartans were unable to profit and create a scoring chance, as the South Carolina State defense held tight and quickly spoiled any attack.

Corner kicks proved to be key in the second half as well, providing Upstate with several scoring chances throughout the remainder of the contest. Sophomore Haley Gethin (Cocoa Beach, Fla.) succeeded in getting a shot off following a corner kick by senior midfielder Rebecca Sanzsole (Kitchener, Ontario), but Gethin's shot sailed high and out of harm's way. Minutes later, Upstate was awarded another corner kick, but Major's shot attempt was blocked and ultimately cleared by the Bulldog defense.

The 66th minute saw Sanzsole send another corner kick into the Bulldog box, but once again the Spartans were unable to capitalize when freshman Jade Hudson's (St. Leonard, Md.) shot sailed over the crossbar. Shortly thereafter, another Sanzsole corner kick was unable to produce the scoring opportunity that would give Upstate the lead, as a South Carolina State defender was able to step in and block a shot off the foot of freshman Mollie Waters (Piedmont, S.C.).

Following a fairly uneventful first overtime, Upstate was awarded a free kick in the 107th minute following a red card on Bulldog Janell Cash. Sanzsole fired a shot at the Bulldog net, but Austin managed to secure the save and ultimately end the contest in a scoreless draw.

Upstate senior Sarah Plantz, who leads the A-Sun in saves per game with 5.2, finished the match with three saves en route to her second shutout of the season.

The Spartans return to action Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. when Upstate puts the finishing touches on the Border Tournament by facing host Gardner-Webb.

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