CLEMSON, SC - The Winthrop women's soccer team dropped its first-ever meeting with the Clemson Tigers 2-1 on Monday evening at Historic Riggs Field.

The loss drops the Lady Eagles to 1-2 on the season, while Clemson improves its record to 5-1 overall.

The Tigers got out to an early lead on a 5th minute goal from Jenna Polonsky. Maddy Elder was credited with the assist on the play after she played a pass back from the end-line. Polonsky hit the pass one time tucking it inside the near post for her first goal of the season. Winthrop's best chance of the first half came in the 8th minute as Allie VandeWater played a pass to Devin Puckett who put the ball into the net. However, the goal was nullified due to an offsides call.

Clemson outshot the Lady Eagles 10-6 in the first half and 6-2 in attempts on-net. Winthrop goalkeeper Ameila Henderson recorded four saves in the half while her counterpart, Hunter Rittgers, made two saves.

Clemson scored its second goal of the contest in the 62nd minute on the first goal of the season by Vanessa Laxgang. Laxgang's shot came from the near side across the goal from 12 yards out. The Lady Eagles had a flurry of opportunities in the 68th minute when Grace Radler and Krystyna Freda forced Rittger into back-to-back saves resulting in two corner kicks for Winthrop. The Lady Eagles would cut the Tigers lead to 2-1 in the 82nd minute on Puckett's second goal of the season. Puckett volleyed the ball past Rittger off a cross from Radler. The cross was set up on a combination play down the right side by VandeWater and Radler, who each were credited with their first assist of the season

Winthrop forward Krystyna Freda led all players with six shots on the evening.  Freda and Puckett were tied with two shots on goal each. Liska Dobberstein and Laxgang led the attack for Clemson with four shots each. Laxgang led with players with three shots on goal. Henderson, 1-2 on the season in net, tied a career high with seven saves for the Lady Eagles. Rittgers, 5-1 on the season in goal, tallied four saves in the game for the Tigers. Winthrop finished the game with 11 shots, but was outshot by Clemson who attempted 20 shots on the evening. Both teams were called offside twice in the game, while Clemson had a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.

The Lady Eagles will play their third of four consecutive road games when they return to action on Thursday, September 6. Winthrop will travel to Spartanburg, SC for a matchup with the Wofford Terriers out of the Southern Conference.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Favorite Picks of the 2025 MLS Draft

Commitments: Bradley Heads to the Big East

TeamRank Presented By TeamSnap - Girls