Box Score AIKEN, S.C. – Megan Smits powered home two goals, helping the University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team post a 3-0 victory over visiting Flagler Wednesday afternoon.
The Pacers improve to 6-5 on the year and 3-3 against Peach Belt Conference foes.
Head coach Sue Vodicka's team applied pressure in the early going and it paid off when Kim Beyer crossed the ball to Smits in the seventh minute. Smits corralled it and then promptly one-timed the ball into the back of the net for a quick 1-0 lead.
Vodicka's team continued putting pressure on the Saints, but could not convert another shot into a score in the opening half.
The Pacers came out strong in the second period, forcing pressure on the opposition's defense. USC Aiken broke through in the 71st minute as Caroline Gillespie found Taylor Simmons for a 2-0 advantage.
Just four minutes later, Smits powered through the defense and rocketed home a shot from 25 yards out for her second tally of the afternoon and a 3-0 margin.
For the match, Alli Edens earned a shutout after stopping all six of the Saints' shots on goal.
USC Aiken totaled 19 shots while limiting the visitors to 11 in the contest. Vodicka's team accounted for 12 shots on goal to six by the Saints. Both teams had two corner kicks.
Smits amassed five shots, including two on frame – and both found the back of the net. Hannah Allison registered four shots while Heaven Tylee placed three shots on target. Simmons recorded two shots on goal as did Aubrey Danielson. Jenna Beauregard, Joi Chrishon and Ella McDaniels all posted shots on frame.
This marks the first time the program has picked up six wins in its first 11 matches since the 2002 season. The sixth victory also marks the most wins for the team since the 2009 campaign.
The Pacers return to action on Monday when they step out of conference to play at Columbia (S.C.). The match is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
