Orangeburg, S.C. ? The Citadel soccer team topped the South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs, 4-2, Tuesday evening at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, S.C.

Senior Kristine Devine wasted no time in the first half, scoring within the first three minutes for the Bulldogs. Both teams put up a strong defensive effort for the next 25 minutes but sophomore Amy Loughran broke through S.C. State’s defense with 15:35 left in the period. The Citadel led 2-0 before the SCSU’s Veronica Aguilar trimmed the lead to 2-1. S.C. State’s energy continued as Dani Benton tied up the game, 2-2, just before the closing of the first half.

The Citadel surged ahead 3-2, when Nikkita Persaud scored at the 22:44 mark of the second half. Loughran sealed the win after scoring her second goal of the evening with 9:36 left in the game.

It is the first time in school history the Bulldogs have opened the season, 2-0.

“We progressed as the match went on,” said Bulldog Diana Martin. “In the second half, we had to keep our heads in the game and we did not allow our intensity die.”

The Bulldogs visit Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m.