DeLAND, Fla. – Head Coach Chris Adams earned his first Division I victory and his 200th career victory on Saturday afternoon at Stetson University, as the Eagles defeated the Hatters 2-1 in the spring opener. Georgia Southern improved to 4-10-1 on the season, while the Hatters fell to 0-1-0.

In the first half the Eagles felt the Hatters pressure, shutting down multiple scoring chances in the first 20 minutes of play. Sallie Newton made three saves in the first half, blanking Stetson through the first 45 minutes of play.

Maddie Klintworth broke the scoreless match, scoring off of a corner kick by Diana Hilhorst in the 31st minute. In the 37th minute, Vala Kristin Theodorsdottir added to the scoresheet, scoring from about 25 yards out to put the Eagles up 2-0.

In the second half, Stetson was able to put the pressure back on the Eagles as Lily Truong scored in the 49th minute to cut into the Eagles lead. GS had two high quality scoring chances from inside the 6-yard box that Stetson was able to control and make the save. Newton and the Eagles backline shut down the Hatters in the second half, making one save in the second half.

Georgia Southern will continue the Spring season with its only home match on Thursday February 18, against North Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from Eagle Field.

MATCH FACTS
Stetson (0-1-0) - 1
Georgia Southern (4-10-1) - 2

SCORING
31' - GS - Maddie Klintworth (1)
37' - GS - Vala Kristin Theodorsdottir (1)
49' - STE - Lily Truong (1)

NOTES

• Georgia Southern continued their 2020-21 season playing the first of four matches this spring on Saturday afternoon at Stetson
• Maddie Klintworth and Vala Kristin Theodorsdottir both scored their first goals of the season in the first half against Stetson
• Sallie Newton made three saves in the first half and four in the match for the Eagles in net
• Chris Adams picked up his first Division I victory and his 200th career victory on Saturday in DeLand, Florida