AMERICUS, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University women's soccer team defeated Albany State University on Thursday night in the sixth annual "Under The Lights" season opener at Hurricane Field. 

GSW was too much for Albany State to handle as the Hurricanes scored four goals - three in the second half - and shut out the Golden Rams to start the 2023 season with a victory.

The Hurricanes scored the lone goal of the first half in the 12th minute on a nice set-up assist from Teresa Rodriguez which set up a goal from freshman standout Ellie Carrington. 

The second half started slow but picked up thanks to another nice setup from Teresa Rodriguez. Lucia Bustamante scored the game's second goal.

Another GSW newcomer Jackie Stokes scored her first goal with the Lady Hurricanes in her debut.

GSW was awarded a goal thanks to Albany State accidentally kicking the ball into their own goal in the game's final seconds. 

While the Hurricanes dominated on offense, they were also dominant on the ball's defensive side, especially in the net. Freshmen goalkeeper Alana Beddow etched her mark in GSW history by posting a clean sheet in her first collegiate match.

It was an all-around great night for the Lady Canes on both sides of the ball. 

The Hurricanes start 1-0 on the season and will be in action again at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night against in-state rival Valdosta State.

Tonight's Goal Scorers
Jackie Stokes 
Lucia Bustamante 
Ellie Carrington