Box Score (PDF)

Newark, N.J. – Kate Winegarner scored the game-winning goal and USC Upstate turned in a 2-0 blanking of Atlantic Sun newcomer NJIT Saturday afternoon from Simon Stadium in the conference opener for both teams.

Winegarner registered her team-leading fourth goal of the season when she beat NJIT keeper Samantha Bersett in the 30th minute.

"The NJIT defense had a misclearance and I chested the ball down to my feet and put a shot into the left corner," Winegarner said. "Our offense had a tremendous game and we played as a team like never before. We had the will to win today and it's great to start conference play off with a victory."

Caroline Keener provided the Spartans with some insurance in the 78th minute with her first goal of the season. Haley Gethin started the attack near midfield with a pass to Alexa Hone streaking down the right sideline. Hone followed with a cross that allowed Keener to gain possession on the opposite side of the field and finish with a shot past Bersett.

"The girls came into this game determined to win," Upstate head coach Abby Minihan said. "We spent a lot of time this week in practice working on converting opportunities in the final third and it carried over to the game today. Give credit to NJIT because it was a difficult game today, but I think our focus, determination and belief from the entire team carried us through."

Upstate keeper Ellen Bright made four saves to collect her second shutout of the season. Bright leads the A-Sun and ranks third in the NCAA with 74 saves.

"The defense had a solid game and really stepped up when they needed to," Bright said. "I'm so happy and it couldn't feel better to have a win and shutout to start conference play."

Upstate steps out of conference Tuesday at 7 p.m. when the Spartans welcome in-state rival South Carolina State to County University Soccer Stadium.

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