SPARTANBURG, S.C. – It's been almost a full week since the USC Upstate women's soccer team played a match, this Thursday night the Spartans will host Mars Hill University at 7:00 p.m. at County University Soccer Stadium.
 
USC Upstate (0-1-1) and Mars Hill (0-0-0) are meeting for just the ninth time in program history and the first time since the 2005 season. The Spartans hold a 5-0-2 overall record against the Lions and have outscored Mars Hill 16-5 since the turn of the century.
 
The last time these two teams met USC Upstate was still a member of the Peach Belt Conference. In the first 10 minutes of the contest the Spartans found themselves down a pair of goals to the Lions, but a late goal in the first half brought the Spartans within a goal of the Lions. USC Upstate scored a pair of goals in the second half to take the 3-2 victory on the road.
 
USC Upstate is coming off a scoreless tie with East Tennessee State University. Sophomore goalie Logan Pace (Belmont, N.C.) had a career night recording 12 saves in the contest. Pace's efforts under her Big South Defensive Player of the Week honors. Pace currently ranks second in the Big South and 55^th nationally in total saves (19). The Tar Heel State native also ranks 27^th nationally in save percentage (.905).
 
On the offensive side of the pitch Emma Honis (Ocoee, Fla.) leads the Spartans in total points (2) and goals (1). Delaney Bussey (Brighton, Mich.) leads the team in total shots (4) and shots on goal (2). As a team the Spartans are one of the most physical in the nation recording 5.5 fouls per game (17^th nationally). Senior midfielder Abbie Ellis (Clemmons, N.C.) is still looking for her first goal of the season.
 
Mars Hill is kicking off their 2019 campaign on Thursday night. The Lions went 3-12 last season and 2-8 in the South Atlantic Conference. Sanne Martinsen led the team in goals (7), assists (1), points (15), shots (38) and shots on goal (17). Tonje Jorgensen led the team in the net with 742 minutes and 52 saves.
 
Mars Hill ended the 2018 campaign on a two match losing streak. The Lions lost to Queens in the season finale 1-0 and Newberry 3-2 a few days earlier. The Lions last win came on October 20, 2018 on the road against Tusculum. Mars Hill has a season high eight game losing streak last season.
 
USC Upstate and Mars Hill will face-off at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night at County University Soccer Stadium. Fans are encouraged to bring out their couches and to be loud throughout the game. If you are unable to make the game the match will be shown on ESPN+ and livestats can be found on www.upstatespartans.com.
 
Follow USC Upstate women's soccer on Facebook (UpstateAthletics), Twitter (@UpstateWSoccer), Instagram (@upstatespartans) and YouTube (USCUpstateAthletics).