Clayton State women make it two straight with 4-1 victory over visiting Shorter
Yusuf scores twice as Lakers improve to 6-3-1 overall

MORROW, Ga. – October 1, 2007 – Playing a non-conference opponent during the middle of a conference schedule can be a challenge for soccer teams mentally. And Monday, the visiting Shorter Lady Hawks gave the Clayton State Lakers all they could handle.

However, paced by senior forward Olaitan Yusuf, Clayton State took control and cruised to a 4-1 victory at Laker Field. It was the second straight victory for Clayton State (6-3-1).

Yusuf scored twice for Clayton State and was a part of the Lakers’ first goal. She assisted Yasemin Sunbul, who hammered home the first goal of the game from the top of the penalty box in the 17th minute.

After Shorter (5-6) tied the game in the 25th minute on a direct kick score by Pauline Van Der Henst, the Lakers took the lead for good on an inauspicious play. Junior defender Jennifer Powell sent a corner toward the middle of the penalty box, but the pass curled into the far right side of the goal to give Clayton State a 2-1 lead in the 27th minute.

Four minutes later, Yusuf stole a Lady Hawk pass at midfield and went in untouched for a goal and a 3-1 Laker lead at halftime.

Yusuf put the icing on the cake for Clayton State late in the second half, scoring in the middle of the penalty off an incoming pass from Lairin King. For the season, Yusuf, a two-time Division II All-American, has 12 goals and one assist for 25 points.

The Clayton State goalkeeping combination of Lindsay Schmidt, Whitney Jowers and Kristin Cook had three saves, while Corrie McIravey-Davidsion recorded seven saves for Shorter.

Clayton State returns to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, playing host to North Georgia at 7 p.m. at Laker Field.