AIKEN, S.C. – Four unanswered goals in the second half more than erased a USC-Aiken halftime lead and lifted Saint Leo University women's soccer to a 4-1 win over the University of South Carolina-Aiken, Friday night at the USC soccer complex.
Saint Leo improved to 3-0-0 overall with the victory, best start for the Lions since opening with 10 straight wins back in 2011.
The Lions put four goals past Pacer keeper Nicole Cranny in the second half, rallying from USC-Aiken's 1-0 halftime lead. Caroline Gillespie scored the Pacers' lone goal in the 23rd minute, off a centering pass from Olivia Stiltner.
Saint Leo junior Rakeisha Sealey knotted the game at 1-1 in the 57th minute, scoring her first goal of the season.
Sophomore Arielle Kabangu netted the game-winner for the Lions in the 66th minute on a header off a cross from freshman Katie Waddell. The goal was Kabangu's fifth of the year. Fellow sophomore Genevieve Gignac extended the Saint Leo lead to 3-1 just five minutes later with her unassisted marker.
Waddell capped the scoring in the 81st minute with her fifth goal of the season.
Saint Leo outshot USC-Aiken 22-9, and had seven corner kick opportunities to the Pacers' five. Lion keeper Abby Evans recorded three saves over her 90 minutes in goal, while Cranny charted seven saves for USC-Aiken.
The Lions complete the two-game South Carolina road swing on Sunday, Sept. 14, when they travel to Greenwood, S.C., to face Lander University. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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