SPARTANBURG S.C. - CSU defeated the Spartans of USC Upstate 3-0 this afternoon. The Bucs had numerous scoring opportunities in the early going but couldn't quite keep the ball on the frame, perhaps a case of first game jitters. The Bucs had 11 shots in the first 20 minutes, of which only 3 drew a save from the opposing keeper. />

Despite dominating possession and flow of the game, the score at half time remained on level terms at nil, nil.

In the opening minutes of the second half CSU settled in and began to assert itself in the offensive third, imposing their will on USC Upstate. Several nice sequences of passes from midfield led to quality shots that went begging early in the second half.

The Bucs' breakthrough goal came five minutes into the second half off of one of CSU's 11 corner opportunities on the day. Staci Ulichnie bent a corner into the box, it was deflected and the opposing keeper was forced to commit and come off her line, making way for Marky Boyce to punch it home.

CSU's second goal came when the Spartans' center back misjudged a ball that was sent into the box from midfield. Boyce found the ball at her feet in front of net and made good on another opportunity. Another poised and collected goal by the Bucs best finisher.

The Bucs' third and final goal also came from a corner. The corner service from Olivia Urig bounced untouched just above the six-yard box and managed to find its way to the far side and a waiting Caitlin Wesnesky. From the top of the eighteen, Wesnesky sent a perfectly crafted half volley screaming into the upper ninety. The keeper had no chance.

It was a dominant opening statement for the Bucs who outshot the Spartans 40 to 4.

The home opener for the Bucs is Monday afternoon, as their rivalry is renewed with familiar cross-town opponents College of Charleston. Game time is set for 4 p.m.