The Dalton State Lady Roadrunners got two first half goals from freshman Emily Darnell and held on the second half for a 2-1 season opening non-conference win over SSAC rival Middle Georgia State at Lakeshore Park Soccer Complex on Saturday.
It didn't take long for the Lady Birds to get their first goal of the season as freshman Emily Darnell scored just 2:32 into the contest. DS kept the intensity up on the offensive end and collected goal number two of the afternoon just under ten minutes later again from Darnell.
Hannah Theriault attempted to strike quick after the second goal, but Mattie Dollar came up big with the save.
Both defenses came to the forefront the rest of the half just allowing one shot on goal for each team as Dalton State carried a two-goal lead into halftime.
The Lady Knights came out of the break reinvigorated and owned the first 15 minutes of the second period. Tatjana Steinau took an attempt on goal, but Dollar collected the save. A foul at the 60' mark setup Maria Garcia for a shot at goal. Her attempt lofted right over the outstretched arms of Dollar to close the gap to 2-1.
Theriault once again went on the attack shortly after the Lady Knight goal looking to tie the match, but her shot went wide. Alexandra Wahn had a shot go high in the 81' before Theriault took one last attempt in the 86' that Dollar saved. The Lady Roadrunner D held on from there for the 2-1 win.
Dalton State improves to 1-0, while Middle Georgia State falls to 0-1. The shot count was even at 3-3 in the first half with MGA holding the advantage in the second half at 5-1. Freshman Emily Darnell collected both DS goals on the day and the first of her young career. Mattie Dollar allowed the single Middle Georgia goal and saved four shots.
The Lady Roadrunners will hit the pitch again on Saturday, October 3 when they travel to Knoxville, Tenn. to battle Johnson (Tenn.). Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.