ITTA BENA, Miss. – Defending their home field for the first time this year, the Mississippi Valley State soccer team came back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs by a 3-2 final Friday (Sept. 6). 

"It was a good win for our young team." Assistant Coach Franklyn Davies said. "This will build up their confidence for a challenge on Sunday [with Southern Miss]." 

Valley was the first on the scoreboard as Kristien Lindo (Whitby, Ont., Canada) struck a free kick past the Bulldog keeper in the 19th minute. The goal was Lindo's first as a collegiate player. 

South Carolina State fired 14 shots at the Devilette goalkeeper McKenzie McCarthy (Olive Branch, Miss.). But McCarthy held firm and saved the five shots aimed on target as Valley took the 1-0 advantage into halftime. 

The Lady Bulldogs broke through the Valley defense early in the second half. Tamika Aguilar planted a shot in the back of the net in the 46th minute. 10 minutes later, Elizabeth McGee stayed just onside long enough to receive a pass and score for a South Carolina State lead. 

But Valley's steely resolve was on display as the contest reached its climax. At the 66th minute, Ronia Pierre-Louis (Pickering, Ont., Canada) received a pass from Beatriz Kretteis (London, England) and fought off the defense to drive home a goal off the top of the crossbar. Kretteis scored the game winner 10 minutes later after a through ball from Cielo Mazantini (Bakersfield, Calif.). 

Davies applauded his young squad after the game for fighting their way to get their first win. "We are a mentally tough team. We don't let ourselves down. They have a don't-give-up mindset and that's an important characteristic." 

Mississippi Valley State will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. for a 4 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 8) showdown with Southern Miss.