Box Score

CLEVELAND - The Delta State Lady Statesmen soccer team used a flurry of goals in the first half to rout Shorter University 5-1 and pick up its first conference win, while ending a two-game skid.

Five different Lady Statesmen scored as they broke a goal-scoring drought that went back to the Lady Statesmen's 2-1 win at Belhaven to open the season.

Erin Tucker got things rolling for the Lady Statesmen (2-2-0, 1-2-0 Gulf South Conference) when she scored her second goal of the season in the 24th minute against the Hawks (1-4-0, 0-1-0 GSC).

Just minutes later, Payten Pearson found the back of the net, scoring her first goal of the year. Angela Palazzolo picked up an assist on the goal, which was scored in the 29th minute.

Jackie Kelly then set up a pair of Lady Statemen goals off of corner kicks. The first goal came from Michelle Laurenzi, who scored on a strike in the 40th minute.

Moments later, the Lady Statesmen had a nother corner chance and Charlotte Benson found a way to get through the tangle in front and score her second goal of the season, giving the Lady Statemen a 4-0 lead in the 42nd minute.

Early in the second half, Shorter picked up its offensive attack and was able to develop a few chances. Diamond Davis scored for the Hawks on a header off a corner kick from Kalley Estep.

The Lady Statesmen regained control and then used the counter attack to capitalize once more in the game.

Goalkeeper Kelsey Elling fed a long pass to Macey Endris, who then found Tais Cotta in open space. Cotta took full advantage and finished, scoring in the 62nd minute to put the Lady Statesmen up 5-1.

Elling came out of the game as a substitution in the 82nd minute, but finished with two saves on three shots on net, a secondary assist on Cotta's goal, and picked up the win.

The Lady Statesmen out shot Shorter 25-10 in the game and had nine shots on goal to the Hawks five. The Lady Statesmen finished with only six fouls in the game to Shorter's 11. The Hawks also had three yellow cards in the match.

Delta State will return to action Sunday when they Host Alabama-Huntsville in a non-conference matchup at Delta Field. The game time is scheduled for 12:30.