Box Score JACKSON, Tenn. - The Lady Statesmen broke out of a scoring spell in a big way Friday, scoring three goals in the first half and Kelsey Elling made key saves to preserve a 3-2 victory for Delta State over Union.

The Lady Statesmen (3-9-1, 2-4-0 GSC) got on the scoreboard early in a key Gulf South Conference match against the Lady Bulldogs (5-6-2, 0-4-2 GSC). Jackie Kelly jumpstarted the scoring for Delta State, putting in a tough rebound goal, evading her mark and putting a left footer home.

"It was a huge goal for our girls and really gave them some confidence," said head coach Paul Babba. "Assistant coach Luke Sheeky has worked with our forwards and midfielders a lot over the last few weeks and we saw that hard work pay off tonight."

Just minutes later, the Lady Statesmen went up 2-0 with another rebound goal, this time off the foot of Payten Pearson. The rebound came off a shot from Ashley Goodlett and Pearson was able to tap the ball home for her fourth goal of the season.

After Union answered with a goal, Goodlett finally broke through with her first goal of the season. Goodlett hit the crossbar twice in the game, but in the 24th minute she found the back of the net for her first goal of the season.

Goodlett scored on a strike off of a free kick from in the corner and Union's goalkeeper couldn't get on the ball.

"Ashley's goal was remarkable," said Babba. "She scored from a very tough angle, almost like kicking a corner kick. It seems like she just kept hitting crossbars this year and she hit twice tonight. It was great to see her get that first goal."

While the Lady Statesmen's offense was on display, so was the defense from Elling in net. In the high action game, the Lady Bulldogs tested Elling 10 times in the match.

It was a great effort from Kelsey in goal tonight," said Babba. "Coach Sam Schueschner has been working with Elling on a couple things over the last few weeks and it really showed tonight with her play. She made some very crucial saves that helped get us the win tonight."

"This was a great win tonight for the girls," Babba said. "The ladies deserve to enjoy this one tonight but we have some very big games over the next few weeks. We have some goals out there that we still need to get."

The Lady Statesmen will return to action Sunday against Alabama-Huntsville in a key match with conference tournament implications.