Both teams took time to settle into the unusually cold and windy conditions in Charleston as the Bulldogs kicked off their third game of the week. The Buccaneers kept possession for most of the first period, drilling the first five shots of the game. It wasn't until the 30th minute of play that The Citadel would have the opportunity to strike and sophomore Vanessa Aponte made the first one count as she netted her fourth goal of the year on a 20-yard rocket from the top of the box that deflected off the right post and into the goal to give the Bulldogs a quick 1-0 lead.

Senior defenders Shanna Couch, Leah Hawkins and Hannah Warne, along with goalkeeper Laura Serafino, managed to shut down the Buccaneers defense for the remainder of the first half allowing just two shots in the final 25 minutes of the frame to ensure the Bulldogs would enter the half with a 1-0 lead.

The second half would start with some bad luck for the Bulldogs as Aponte, who leads the team in goals, assists, points and shots, was helped off the field with an ankle injury just nine seconds into the second half and would not return. The Citadel was already playing without sophomore Ruth Leiva, who was serving her one-game suspension from a red card violation in Wednesday's game against South Carolina State.

Freshman goalkeeper Sarah Katchen would receive the second half start for the second time this week. Katchen struggled in her first career appearance on Monday at Ole Miss, allowing five goals in 45 minutes.

The Citadel kept possession on the Bucs side of the field for the majority of the second period until the 63rd minute when Charleston Southern forward Morgan Wood would connect on a cross-pass into the box that resulted in a sliding goal by Toni Ashley to even the game at a goal apiece.

Exactly ten minutes later the Bucs would strike again off another beautiful corner kick from Morgan Wood that would find the foot of teammate Olivia Urig to give Charleston Southern the 2-1 advantage.

With just under 15 minutes remaining in play the Bulldogs would receive plenty of opportunities to get the equalizer, landing five consecutive shots, including two corner kicks with just minutes to play, but to no avail as Bucs goalkeeper Caitlyn Cody would stymie The Citadel's chances.

"I was pleased with the way we pushed to score in the second half. The girls that finished the game worked hard to get that one," said Bulldog Head Coach Bob Winch.

The Citadel is back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in their final non-conference match of the season against Presbyterian on WLI Field. The Bulldogs will start up Southern Conference play next weekend when they will host Western Carolina (Sept. 23 at 4 p.m.) and Appalachian State (Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.)