Laker women come up short in 2006 women’s soccer opener

19^th-ranked Clayton State drops 2-1 decision at Wingate

WINGATE, N.C. --- AUGUST 26, 2006 --- The 2006 women’s soccer season got off to a tough start for the Clayton State Lakers on Saturday as they dropped a 2-1 decision at South Atlantic Region rival Wingate. The Lakers entered their season opener ranked 19^th in the nation in Division II. While it was Clayton State’s season opener, Wingate improved to 2-0 overall.

Clayton State couldn’t overcome two quick goals by Wingate’s Madi Welch. The freshman forward scored first Wingate goal on a breakaway in the 13^th minute. Nine minutes later, she gave the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead with a goal off a rebound.

Nkese Udoh scored the lone Clayton State goal in the 60^th minute off an assist by Antoinette Anounga. The Lakers had an opportunity to tie the score late as Anounga came out on a breakaway. However, Wingate goalkeeper Kathryn Smith recorded the save to preserve the victory for the Bulldogs.

Clayton State goalkeeper Lindsay Schmidt, in her first start as the Laker goalkeeper, recorded three saves, while her Wingate counterpart Smith recorded nine saves against the vaunted Clayton State attack.

The Lakers are back in action on Sept. 2 with a huge showdown at fourth-ranked Carson-Newman.