COLUMBIA, S.C. | The Alabama State University women's soccer fell to the top-seeded and third-ranked Gamecocks of the University of South Carolina, 3-0, in the opening round of NCAA Tournament Friday night.
 
South Carolina was able to jump on the board early, scoring in the third minute when Ryan Garies scored from the left to give South Carolina (16-2-1) a 1-0 lead. The lead stayed that way until Bianca Galassini scored off of an assist from Elexa Bahr in the 22nd minute to put South Carolina up 2-0 heading to halftime.
 
The Gamecocks would score the final goal in the 50th minute when Bahr scored her eighth goal of the year to put South Carolina up 3-0.
 
South Carolina, who had a 14-match unbeaten streak earlier in the season, held Alabama State to a pair of shots – from a pair of seniors in Lexi Krieger and Inma Martinez.
 
Meanwhile, Gianna Guyot made nine saves for Alabama State.
 
"As the season comes to a close I'm so proud of what this group has accomplished," Alabama State head coach Jodie Smith. "They held the number three team in the country to just three goals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was a real team effort tonight and I couldn't be any more proud.
 
"It was a great season. We overcame a lot of adversity all year at different times, especially in the conference tournament. To see this team succeed and achieve great things is what really makes a coach proud."
 
The loss brought an end to the careers of Ariela Lewis, Krieger, Candice Mitchell, Zaria Maynard and Martinez. The four ended their careers on the field after leading Alabama State to back-to-back SWAC Championships.
 
Alabama State ends the season at 11-8-2.
 
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