SAN MARCOS, Texas — Clarissa Hernandez scored both goals as second-seeded South Alabama soccer beat Georgia State 2-0 on Wednesday in the opening round of the Sun Belt Conference Championship.
The victory was the Jaguars’ first postseason win since 2005 and sends them to Friday’s semifinals against No. 6 seed Arkansas State.
Wind at Their Backs
The match was played in harsh weather. South Alabama had a strong wind behind it in the first half and outshot the Panthers 8-2 before the break. Georgia State’s goalkeeper made three saves before Hernandez broke through to give the Jaguars the lead.
Hernandez doubled the advantage five minutes into the second half, finishing a free kick from freshman Nikki Shirtcliffe.
Drish Holds Firm
Georgia State pushed for a response and took 13 of the match’s final 14 shots. Senior goalkeeper Melissa Drish and the South Alabama defense turned all of them away, giving the Jaguars their eighth shutout of the season.
Milestones for Hernandez
The two goals were Hernandez’s fifth and sixth of the season and moved her into eighth place on South Alabama’s career points list with 53, one point behind seventh place.
Hernandez, Jess Oram and Shelby Owen each have appeared in 81 matches, tying for second in school history in games played.
Semifinal Set
South Alabama will face Arkansas State at 4 p.m. Friday. The Red Wolves advanced by upsetting No. 3 seed Louisiana-Lafayette 2-1. The Jaguars beat Arkansas State 2-0 in Jonesboro, Ark., on Oct. 6.
In the other half of the bracket, No. 4 seed Texas State beat No. 5 Troy 2-1 in overtime and will play top-seeded Western Kentucky, which defeated No. 8 seed Arkansas-Little Rock 2-1.
South Alabama is in its first season under head coach Graham Winkworth.
