By Maggie Pruitt

Carrollton, Ga.--  The Lady Hawks began Gulf South Conference play last Wednesday with three games in a short five-day time span.

The Hawks traveled to University of North Alabama for their first conference game of the season. The Lions scored in the 14th minute, but Cintia Lamas answered with her first goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. Both teams continued to battle against each other, but North Alabama took control and added 3 more goals to their score. The match ended 4-1, and the Lady Hawks' undefeated record came to an end.

Back on Ben Brady Field Friday afternoon, the Lady Hawks faced Valdosta State University. Valdosta only out shot Shorter 12-11, with both teams having 5 shots on goal. The Blazers found the back of the net in the seventh minute after taking a free kick from 30 yards out. The Lady Hawks kept the pressure high throughout the rest of the match, but they were unable to even the score. The Lady Hawks fell 1-0 to Valdosta State and became 0-2 in GSC play.

Sunday, the Lady Hawks traveled to West Georgia motivated to get back on track with a win against the Wolves. In the 32nd minute, Hailey Johnston took a corner for the Hawks, which rebounded outside the box to Kayla Miller. Miller's shot was blocked by the West Georgia keeper, but Cheyenne Golden was able to direct it back into the net for her first goal of the season, giving the Lady Hawks a 1-0 lead. The score remained the same through the rest of the match, and Shorter was able to keep the Wolves off of the scoreboard. This gave the Lady Hawks their first win in GSC play and an overall record of 5-2.

In other exciting news, Alden Powell, freshman goal keeper for the Hawks, had 8 saves and records another shutout, which is her fourth of the season. Powell is now second on Shorter's all-time single season and career list for shutouts. Powell was named GSC Freshman of the Week on Tuesday.    

The Lady Hawks will continue conference play on Friday at home against Spring Hill College.