CONWAY, S.C. ? The Citadel soccer team earned its first ever win over a Big South opponent Tuesday night when the Bulldogs defeated Coastal Carolina, 1-0 in Conway, S.C.

The Citadel scored the game’s only marker when Dianna Martin assisted Amy Loughran’s goal eight minutes in. Loughran shot about five yards from the net, creating a competitive next 80 minutes. Coastal Carolina began to put pressure on the Bulldogs as they had several scoring chances. The Citadel defense remained strong and held a 1-0 halftime lead.

The Bulldogs were only able to record five shots in the second half while the Chanticleers shot 11 times but could not convert. With three minutes left to play, Coastal Carolina tried to tie the game with a shot that sailed just wide of the net. The Citadel’s defensive efforts paid off as Nave tallied seven saves and the team recorded one save. Though Loughran earned the Bulldogs’ lone goal, Nicole Martinoli was a threat in the midfield as she shot three times with two on goal. It was Loughran’s fifth goal on the season while Martin recorded her third assists of the year.

The Bulldogs improve to 3-3 while Coastal Carolina fell to 1-8.

“I am very proud of the girls for persevering after several close games that did not go our way,” said head coach Bob Winch. “Tonight we were very composed in our defending to win a nail biter.”

The Citadel will head to the UNF Nike Soccer Classic in Jacksonville, Fla. on Sept. 18-20. The Bulldogs will battle against Florida Gulf Coast on Friday at 2 p.m. and then will finish off the tournament against North Florida on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.