By: Scotty Grigsby 

CIU women's soccer clashed with the Citadel Bulldogs on Thursday afternoon in Charleston, South Carolina. The Rams would, unfortunately, came up short against the NCAA Division 1 Bulldogs. 

The first half began with the Citadel controlling possession and creating early scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs capitalized on this momentum in the 12th minute with a goal from Marie Le Galo.  CIU regrouped defensively after this initial setback and managed to repel shooting attempts from the Citadel forwards. The Bulldogs broke through again in the 21st minute with a goal from Maria Contreras. The Citadel continued to press their advantage with two late first-half goals from Paige Davis and Brooke Cheatham to give the Bulldogs a 4-0 lead going into the second half. 

The Rams began the second half with a set back defensive formation looking to nullify the Citadel forwards. The Bulldogs would score their 5th goal of the night with a goal from Maria Contreras in the 51st minute. The Citadel didn't let up on the attacking pressure and would score their sixth goal of the day with a shot from the top of the box by forward Taylor Diggs. Hayley Long scored the final Citadel goal in the 87th minute to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 win. CIU goalkeeper Nadia Threatt would end the night with 12 total saves.

The Rams hope to regroup as they return home this weekend to take on Bryan College at 2:00 PM.