CLEVELAND, Miss. – The women's soccer team of Delta State University opened their Gulf South Conference play with Valdosta State University on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Statesmen recorded a draw with the Blazers to move to 1-3-1 on the season and 0-0-1 in conference play, while Valdosta moves to 3-0-2 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play.

The Lady Statesmen competed in their second straight double overtime match with the first coming from a 1-0 victory over West Alabama last week.

Delta State came ready to play against a tough Valdosta State squad as the Lady Statesmen scored first just three minutes into the match. Delta State's Lauren May scored in the 3^rd minute of play off of a free kick from Rebecca Deegan following a Valdosta foul. Delta State took the early 1-0 lead over the Blazers. Valdosta responded in a big way by scoring two goals back-to-back in less than 45 seconds to give the Blazers the 2-1 advantage over the Lady Statesmen. The score at half time stood at 2-1 in favor of the Blazers.

Offense was quiet for both squads to start the second half until Delta State's Lauren May scored the equalizer to tie the match at two each. May scored her second goal of the game and second for the Lady Statesmen on a header from a pass by Tabitha Hayden in the 64^th minute of play. At the end of regulation, the score remained 2-2, leading to overtime.

 The defensive efforts from both sides of the ball were solid as neither team could find the back of the net in both overtimes. The match resulted in a draw.
Delta State was led by May with four shots, three shots on goal, and two goals. The Lady Statesmen recorded eight shots and five shots on goal as a team. Megan Galloway was in goal as she recorded eight saves and allowed two goals.

Up next for the Lady Statesmen is another Gulf South Conference match up against West Georgia. Delta State will take on the Wolves on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 12 p.m.