FARMVILLE, Va. – Amanda Spencer and
Samantha Phillips continued their hot streak and combined for two assists and a goal in Longwood's 2-0 win over Charleston Southern Saturday afternoon at the Athletics Complex.
The win extends a three-game unbeaten streak for the Lancers, who finally broke through for a win after battling to back-to-back draws entering Saturday's contest. Phillips and Spencer have been significant forces in Longwood's recent run of success, combining for seven goals and two assists during a seven-game stretch in which the Lancers have gone 3-2-2.
The win propels Longwood back into the top eight in the Big South standings with three games remaining in the regular season.
"Every win in conference play is a big one, so we're going to savor this for a day," said head coach
Todd Dyer. "Earning a shutout on our home field makes it that much sweeter. We came out with energy early on, and that's usually going to get us on the right track. We need more consistency over 90 minutes, and I still believe our best soccer is ahead of us."
The shutout came courtesy of freshman goalkeeper
Maria Kirby, who registered three saves on the way to her first career solo shutout. Including her second career start Saturday, Kirby has played the last 155 minutes in goal for Longwood and owns a 1.16 goals against average during that span.
Spencer orchestrated both of Longwood's goals, including Phillips' go-ahead score in the 17th minute. She would later spark an insurance goal 12 minutes into the second half, feeding
Christina Corbin a pass 30 yards out that Corbin stroked over the head over Charleston Southern goalkeeper Caitlin Cody.
Longwood outshot Charleston Southern 25-9, marking the third straight game Longwood has managed at least 20 shots. Over 40 percent of those shots have been on goal, including a total of 11 against the Buccaneers Saturday.
Longwood has three more chances to climb the Big South standings before the conference tournament on Nov. 1, beginning with a road matchup at Campbell on Oct. 22. The Lancers then return home on Oct. 25 for their final home game of the season and a farewell to its senior class on Senior Night.
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