STATESBORO, Ga. – Georgia Southern goalkeeper Katie Merson recorded her 17th career shutout, a new school record, as the Eagles topped Alabama State 3-0 Friday afternoon at Eagle Field.

The senior got into the offensive action as well, tallying her first career assist on the Eagles' third goal. Her punt deflected off a defender and wound up at the feet of Jennifer Wittick near the top of the penalty area. Wittick sent a shot over the head of Hornet keeper Zaria Maynard and into the back of the net in the 52nd minute.

"I'm very proud of Katie," said Georgia Southern coach Brian Dunleavy. "She is truly a great representative of our program, on and off the field."

The Eagles (5-1) scored two goals in a stretch of four minutes in the first half. Caitlin Tongco sent a cross in from the right side, and Alabama State keeper Kylee Hathaway punched the ball out to the waiting foot of Melinda Lukas. The sophomore put it home for a 1-0 Eagle lead in the 17th minute.

Cori Dulmage rocketed a shot in the 21st minute, and Hathaway got a finger on the ball, tipping it off the cross bar. Stephanie Gratto gathered it in and scored for a 2-0 advantage.

Alabama State (3-4) nearly got on the scoreboard 50 seconds into the match when Shelbi Vienna-Hallam's shot was cleared off the line by Eagle defender Sydney Keer. The Eagles took over from there, firing 19 unanswered shots in the first half, with 12 on goal, and forcing Hathaway to make 11 saves. 

"It was a good performance tonight, and we're very happy with the win," said Dunleavy. "It's nice to combine a lot of attacking chances and manage possession. I felt like we settled down after a sluggish start."

Georgia Southern almost had a third tally of the frame when Taylor Burns' shot hit the cross bar in the 26th minute, where it was gathered in by Hathaway. The Eagles finished with 27 shots in the game, including 16 on goal. It was the third shutout for Merson and the Eagle defense this season.

The game was delayed for rain and lightning with 34:20 left in the contest. It was restarted and then stopped and ruled official with 19:42 left on the clock because of impending inclement weather.

Georgia Southern returns to action at home Sunday as the Eagles host North Florida at 4 p.m. on Eagle Field.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics and twitter.com/GSAthletics. To purchase tickets call 1-800-GSU-WINS.