CHARLESTON,S.C.- An early 1st half goal helps Radford squeak by Charleston Southern, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon, October 8th at Buccaneer Field on the campus of Charleston Southern University in Charleston, S.C.

A nail bitter was on tap for Saturday as the visiting Highlanders of Radford came into Charleston Southern. Having knocked off Coastal Carolina 2-0 on Thursday, Radford looked to have a head full of steam but the home standing Charleston Southern Lady Buccaneers had other thoughts. CSU coming off of a glorious win vs. VMI on Thursday, looked to get another win from their Big South matches this weekend.

As play got underway CSU set the tone early with a lot of high pressure, but could not crack the Radford defense. Radford then countered on a CSU attack and Julie Ruhe slid in Krissia Vasquez. Vasquez took two touches and had a far post shot on goal past Caitlin Cody who just barely missed the ball in the 11th minute of play to give Radford the 1-0 lead. Shock was sent through the CSU fans and bench as the first 10 minutes of the match saw the Lady Bucs all over Radford but with the Highlanders coming out with a goal against the run of play.

Trying to get more attacking players forward, CSU inserted Morgann Wood to give the side a boost of energy and Wood did just that. Her first touches led to a corner kick, which came close to a leveling the match but Radford keeper Che' Brown was up the task. Brown would have to make big saves of numerous occasions to keep her side in the lead. The half continued to progress with both sides having a few chances but no clear cut shot on goal.

The second half started out as the first half finished with a lot of physical play. Both coaches at times were up asking if fouls would be given as the tempers in the players began to rise. CSU came close to getting an equalizer as Olivia Urig had a 35 yard shot on goal that was corralled in by Radford's Brown. At times Brown looked a bit dodgy as CSU would serve in balls from corner kicks and set pieces but nothing could come from this. CSU continued to look for their equalizer but could not find one. A few chances went begging as the time continued to tick off the clock. CSU with 5 minutes left in the match decided to push defenders forward and play a higher line of defense.

With the last minutes left CSU thought they had a chance as Casey Bolduc made a surging run forward and played a ball to Gina Thomas who was then called for a foul. Another chance saw an Olivia Urig ball played across the face of goal but to no avail. CSU had one last throw of the cards when Rebecca Hollstegge had a 30 yard run with a shot at the end but Radford's Brown came up with a clutch save. Time wound down and CSU dropped a hard fought game to Radford at home. The Lady Bucs move to 6-6 on the year and 1-3 in conference play as the Highlanders move to 9-3 on the year and 4-0 in conference play.

CSU will be back in action as they travel to Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. (Oct. 13th) and UNC-Asheville in Asheville, N.C.(Oct.15th) for Big South Conference play in both matches.