ROME -- It may have taken longer than expected, but the Hawks are finally in the win column with a 2-1 victory over Clayton State Wednesday night.

Having dropped the first five games of the season, Shorter (1-5) was eager to turn things around and when time expired all that was left was the satisfaction that they had done just that.

Charlie Dennis got the Hawks on the board in the 15th minute with a long goal from the right sideline, but the Lakers fought back and tied the game two minutes later on a goal from Avery Shepard. Shorter, however, answered immediately as Irvin Espinal tallied his second goal of the season on a breakaway shot from the kickoff.

The Hawks defense took over from there, and despite many opportunities on both sides the score held up, and Shorter earned the win they so eagerly wanted.

Clayton State (3-2-1) outshot the Hawks 22-14, and recorded 10 corner kicks to Shorter's 5.

Hawks' goalkeeper, Nicolas Ferrigno, tallied 7 saves in the game; while Nick Punter recorded 2 through 90 minutes.

Shorter will return to action Saturday as they travel to Georgia Gwinnett College for 6:00pm game.