LEXINGTON, Va. — Bailey Altizer scored her first collegiate goal scored early in the second half and the Longwood women's soccer team went on for its second consecutive victory, beating VMI, 1-0, at Patchin Field in non-conference action on Thursday.
Altizer, a sophomore transfer from Eastern Kentucky and native of Mechanicsviile, Va., broke a scoreless deadlock in the 51st minute, getting onto the end of a Sarah Olson ball.
On the goal, sophomore Reese Coggeshall corralled a bouncing ball at midfield and found Olson out wide. Streaking down the right, Olson hit Altizer in front, and she poked it past VMI goalkeeper Maren Ryberg for the lead. The assist was the second in as many matches for Olson.
"That was tough," Longwood head coach Todd Dyer said. "Winning games at this level is always a challenge, especially on the road, but that took everything we had. That's a talented, organized, stubborn VMI team and that scoreline is a reflection of that. Another road win and back-to-back shutouts feels good, but I think we also know we left a couple goals out there. All in all, a gutsy win, but plenty to work on as well."
Longwood (2-2-0) controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting VMI, 16-12, and putting eight shots on goal. VMI managed just one shot on target.
Longwood freshman goalkeeper Brynn Clagett made one save — on a 90th-minute attempt by Nixon Carpenter — to earn her second the shutout of the season. VMI's Ryberg kept the Keydets within striking distance with seven saves.
The Lancers had several chances to break through before halftime, including a shot by Altizer that hit the crossbar in the 26th minute. Longwood also held a 2-0 edge in corner kicks in the second half.
VMI (0-4-0) was led offensively by Isabella Franco, who recorded four shots.
The victory marked Longwood's 12th consecutive win over VMI in the series. The Lancers are now 16-0-1 all-time against the Keydets.
Longwood returns home Sunday to host East Tennessee State at 4 p.m., on ESPN+.
