Columbia, S.C. ? The Citadel faced a tough Southeastern Conference power in South Carolina and fought off inclimate weather in the Columbia area to no avail as the Gamecocks handed The Citadel a 4-0 loss at Stone Stadium.

 

The Citadel (0-4) and South Carolina (3-2) were sent back into their locker rooms less than 15 minutes into play as lightening in the Columbia area forced a 40 minute delay.

 

“South Carolina moved the ball well,” said head coach Bob Winch. “They got everyone involved in the play. Hats off to their big scorer tonight, Erin Sullivan, she had a great game. They are a good, athletic team. We worked and tried to play soccer. These are good games to play because it shows our girls the level we aspire to get to.”

 

South Carolina outshot the Bulldogs 25-0 while The Citadel’s combined goalkeepers recorded nine saves on the evening, coming up with some big saves. South Carolina recorded 11 fouls in the match while the scrappy Bulldogs committed nine.

 

South Carolina jumped onto the board first shortly after the resumption of play in the 18th minute as Felicia Schroeder got the ball 25 yards out as Aly Woodhead misplayed the ball deep in The Citadel’s side of the field.

Schroeder sent the ball past Brit Bunnell, who was caught off-guard, as Carolina took the 1-0 lead.

 

In the 25th minute, South Carolina’s Erin Sullivan scored after Ashley Kirk sent a long diagonal ball to the left side as Sullivan put across into the far right side of the net.

 

The Citadel’s Bunnell, aided by the Bulldog defense, stopped several key Gamecock scoring opportunities in the first half. Bunnell had two key diving saves, including with less than four minutes remaining in the first half.

 

Carolina put a third goal on the board in the 58th minute as several Gamecocks crashed the net. Sullivan netted her second goal of the game as she was dished the ball from Mary Worthen five yards out.

 

Sullivan notched the hat trick in the 62nd minute as Carolina took the 4-0 lead. Sullivan was sent the ball by Felicia Schroeder from the right corner and sent it past Bunnell from the right side.

 

Emily Green entered the game for Bunnell following the second goal after Bunnell racked up five saves, inching her closer to first in the school’s all-time charts in saves. Green closed out the game for The Citadel, recording four saves.

 

The Citadel next plays at Longwood on Sept. 10 in a 1 p.m. match. For complete coverage of Bulldog soccer, visit the official home of The Citadel Athletics at CitadelSports.com.