SPARTANBURG, SC—The USC Upstate women's soccer team secured their second win of the regular season 2-1 when taking on Gardner-Webb on Thursday night at the Greene-Harbison Stadium. This is the first road win for the Spartans since October 27, 2018, when they defeated Longwood in the Big South Quarterfinals. 

The Spartans were off to an amazing start with Natalie Loyd (Wake Forest, NC) made the first goal of the contest at 00:45. This is the first goal of the season for the sophomore forward. 

The Bulldogs attempted two shots before making their first goal of the game. Maddie Turlington made a goal for Gardner-Webb at 11:09. This tied the score at 1-1. The score remained tied for the remainder of regulation and the Spartans headed to overtime for the third time this season. 

Going in the first overtime, Ashley Finn (Wake Forest, NC) attempted a shot but it was saved by the Bulldogs' goalie. Gardner-Webb took a corner kick that resulted in no score change.

Two minutes into the second overtime period, Marina Bradic took a shot that was saved by Haylee Grudzien (York, SC). Less than a minute later, Jane Bossler (Reading, Penn) took a free-kick and found Jayna Tyler (Brooksville, Fla.) for the game-winning goal.This is the first goal of the season for Tyler and her second career goal for the senior midfielder. 

This is the first double overtime win since September 26, 2018 against Charleston Southern. It is also the first time the Spartans have won back-to-back games since the 2018 season and it is the first time ever the Spartans end the regular season with back-to-back wins. The overtime victory also gives the Spartans their first win over Gardner-Webb since the 2013 season. 

Match Stats:
Ashley Finn paced the Spartans offense with four total shots and two shots on goal. 

Bossler has now recorded a point in four consecuitve matches.

The Bulldogs outshot the Spartans 17-8 overall and 8-4 with shots on goal.

The Bulldogs shot 9 corner kicks, while the Spartans had 4 in the contest.

Abby Atchley of the Bulldogs finished with 2 saves, while Grudzien had 7 saves during her time.
 

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