VALDOSTA, Ga. — Mississippi College (7-8-3, 5-5-2) fell to Valdosta State (5-8-4, 3-7-1) with a 3-1 defeat on the road, despite leading at halftime.

The first half began with both teams setting a strategic tone, but MC took the lead following a goal by Paula Catalan, assisted by Jaylen Bodry, at the 36:09 mark. The Choctaws applied pressure early with shots from Vail Wartes and Summer Utzig, testing Valdosta State's defense. Although Valdosta State responded with several shots, none found the net. The half concluded with MC ahead 1-0.

MC faced a challenging second half as Valdosta State's offensive pressure intensified. Despite a strong defensive effort, including a key save by Grothe at 51:24, the Choctaws fell behind after conceding a goal by Kaitlyn Scherer at 56:54, assisted by Tatyana Machado. Valdosta State extended their lead to 2-1 with a goal by Taylor Youmans at 61:17.

Mississippi College pushed forward, with Bodry and Lillie Young creating scoring opportunities, though they were unable to convert. Valdosta State sealed the game with a third goal by Youmans at 78:13, assisted by Maria Rojas. The Blue and Gold continued to press, generating several corners and shots, but Claire Timberlake's saves maintained Valdosta State's advantage. The game concluded with a final score of 3-1 in favor of Valdosta State.

MC took an early lead against Valdosta State with a goal by Catalan in the 36th minute, assisted by Bodry. The Blue and Gold managed five shots, with Summer Utzig's effort in the 15th minute being saved by Valdosta State's Claire Timberlake. Valdosta State, despite recording six shots, could not convert, leaving the score at 1-0 in favor of MC at the end of the first half.

Valdosta State capitalized early in the second half with a goal by Scherer in the 56th minute, assisted by Machado, shifting momentum in their favor. The Blue and Gold's defense was tested again as Youmans scored twice, her second goal in the 78th minute, assisted by Maria Rojas, which extended Valdosta State's lead. Despite several attempts, including shots by Young and Jadyn Mallory, The Blue and Gold could not convert, leaving the final score at 3-1 in favor of Valdosta State.

Paula Catalan scored one goal and finished with one shot on goal. Jaylen Bodry contributed with one assist and attempted one shot. Celine Grothe made two saves while facing 11 shots in her 90 minutes on the field.

Mississippi College Top Performers

Celine Grothe  
----------------------  
- 2 saves  
- 90:00 minutes played  

Jaylen Bodry  
----------------------  
- 1 assist  
- 1 shot  

Paula Catalan  
----------------------  
- 1 goal  
- 1 shot on goal  

Mississippi College holds an overall record of 7-8-3 and stands at 5-5-2 in conference play. Valdosta State is 5-8-4 overall with a conference record of 3-7-1. Read Full Article