Box Score (PDF)

Spartanburg, S.C. – Rachel Baylor scored two goals to lead USC Upstate to a 3-3 draw with Alabama State Friday evening in non-conference action from County University Soccer Stadium.

Baylor netted her first goal of the season just over a minute into the game when she beat Alabama State keeper Gianna Guyot with a shot to the far post. Senior Haley Gethin and Hailey Venable each picked up an assist on the play.

"We really wanted to get off to a good start like we did in our previous game against The Citadel," Baylor said. "Venable ran at the defense and played a great ball that put me in position to make something happen and give us an early lead."

Ariela Lewis tied the game in the 15th minute on a failed clear by the Upstate backline. Lewis gained possession inside the Spartan box and dribbled to her left before sending a shot into the top corner of the net.

Aaliyah Lewis put Alabama State ahead 2-1 in the 20th minute after teammate Mooregan Elder sent a pass from the right sideline into the middle of the Upstate box. Lewis dribbled to her left and passed a Spartan defender for a strike to the far post for her first goal of the season.

Baylor pulled Upstate even early in the second half with a goal in the 63rd minute. Kenzie Major starting the scoring chance with a flick at midfield that found Kate Winegarner sprinting down the sideline. Winegarner delivered a through ball in between two Hornet defenders to allow Baylor to beat Guyot for her second career multi-goal game.

"I could see the play developing early on and I wanted to try and keep my composure and just keep it simple," Baylor said. "It was important for us to come out in the second half and get that goal back in order to put us in position for a possible win."

Ariela Lewis gave Alabama State a 3-2 lead in the 81st minute with her second goal of the game, but Carmen Alvarez registered her first career goal just under four minutes later to tie the game. Sophomore Nicki Krejci picked up an assist on the play after her through ball split the Alabama State defense.  

"I think we came out and scored so early that we thought this was going to be a different game," USC Upstate head coach Abby Minihan said. "Alabama State did a great job of responding and putting pressure back on us. They were really physical and we had a tough time matching that. We had plenty of scoring opportunities and it's tragic that we didn't finish more, but ultimately we're heading in the right direction."

Upstate closes the weekend Sunday at 2 p.m. when the Spartans travel to Boiling Springs, N.C., to face Gardner Webb from Greene-Harbison Stadium.

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