The Gamecocks continued SEC play by picking up a 1-0 win against Georgia on Thursday night in Athens.
After losing the previous week to Alabama, the Gamecocks were focused on getting back on a winning streak and defeating the Bulldogs on their home turf.
“We played better as far as our commitment to winning tackles, 50/50s, really battling and then we played out of that,” South Carolina head coach Shelley Smith said. “I thought at Alabama we gave balls away too much and put ourselves under pressure.”
South Carolina was aggressive from the first whistle by creating several dangerous scoring opportunities, including 13 shots and one goal on the night.
Junior forward Catherine Barry was a force to reckoned with for the Gamecocks. Barry's five shots were the most of any player on either team. Barry recorded 73 minutes and picked up a yellow card.
"(Barry) draws a lot of attention and did the same for Georgia," Smith said. "She has very little room to work with often but does a great job keeping the ball up, keeping possession and creating opportunities for us."
Georgia matched South Carolina’s high energy, putting up eleven shots. However, the difference maker for the Gamecocks was their ability to be clinical in their moments.
Senior goalkeeper Heather Hinz and the backline did well all night, keeping the Bulldogs off the board and securing a shutout.
In the second half when the Gamecocks needed it most, sophomore forward Payton Patrick gained control and proved she too is an asset for South Carolina, scoring her first goal of the 2022-2023 season and the only goal of the game. Patrick's goal and the strong defense was enough for the Gamecocks to defeat Georgia.
"Payton Patrick had a great game, scored a goal but she had one goal taken back off a handball, but she was putting herself in position to create those opportunities," Smith said.
With the win South Carolina improves to 6-1-3 on the season.
Up next, the Gamecocks will return home and host the Arkansas Razorbacks on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.