Box Score CHARLESTON, S.C. – Kelly Hinkle scored the game-winning goal as Charleston Southern topped UNC Asheville, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon at the CSU Soccer Field in their first conference game of the season.
The Big South win at home was pivotal for the Buccaneers (5-4, 1-0), who were coming off Sunday's 3-1 loss against Vermont at CSU Soccer Field.
"The first conference game is super important. It's like the first game of the year. You want to get your season off on a good note," said CSU head coach Eric Terrill. "After a game like this where you are able to pull a victory out, it's a relief. It gives your kids a positive outlook on the rest of the season."
Hinkle scored in the 62nd minute for her second goal of the season, giving CSU a lead the Bucs would not relinquish in the victory.
"She got seven shots today and she was able to score in a high-pressure situation," Terrill said. "It was a beautiful goal, near post, on the goalkeeper, so hats off to her."
Kelsey Fitzhugh, Jordan Newman and Anna Sells also had shots on goal and added pressure on the Bulldogs' defense in a physical game that consisted of 19 total fouls.
Defensively in the net, Liz Amanda Brown recorded her fourth shutout of the season (4-0), with a total of seven saves for the match.
"I thought Liz did a great job in goal for us," Terrill said. "I thought defensively we stayed together pretty well throughout the entire match."
UNC Asheville (5-6, 0-1) fought to the finish, recording 14 shots for the match, including four shots on goal. Paige Trent had an opportunity to score in the 81st minute of the game, but Brown was there to block the shot for her seventh save of the match.
Charleston Southern remains home next week as the Buccaneers welcome Campbell University to the CSU Soccer Field on Wednesday afternoon. Kickoff between the Bucs and the Fighting Camels on the Big South Network is set for 4 p.m.
