MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University women's soccer team scored twice in the first nine minutes of the second half and then held off Young Harris College 3-2 Wednesday (Sept. 17) evening at Laker Field in the Peach Belt Conference opener for both teams.

The Lakers improved to 5-1-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the league while the Mountain Lions fell to 1-3-0 and 0-1-0. Young Harris returns to action next Wednesday (Sept. 24) when they host the University of South Carolina Aiken in a 5:30 p.m. PBC contest at the YHC Soccer and Lacrosse Field.

Maria Marti Bartis gave Clayton State a 1-0 lead with five minutes remaining before halftime when she scored her seventh goal off an assist from Jencilla Villaverde. The Mountain Lions scored the equalizer less than three minutes later when Sydney Baird blasted the ball into the net off an Elana Newman cross. It was Baird's first goal of 2014.

The Lakers took a 3-1 lead in the early moments of the second half on back-to-back goals by Lucy Cunningham and Saidhbh Collins.  Young Harris pulled to within a goal at 3-2 as Amber Matthews struck in the 69th minute off an assist from Dani Pena. It was the first goal of the season for Matthews.

Young Harris kept the pressure on the Lakers. The best chance for the Mountain Lions came with 1:40 remaining in regulation when Emily Ober's header was saved by Clayton State goalkeeper Charlotte McCormack to preserve the win.

Mountain Lion keeper Arielle Charles recorded three saves while McCormack had two for the Lakers.