Contributed/ETSU Athletics

After a win drought spanning four games, the Buccaneers women’s soccer team landed themselves back into the win column with a gritty 1-0 victory over Longwood at Summers-Taylor Stadium. The outcome of this game not only snapped their losing streak, but also gave them a vital confidence boost as they move through the rest of their non-conference schedule. ETSU has now improved to a 2-2-2 on the year, while Longwood slid to 3-3-0.

The first half of this competitive match was a lesson in defensive resilience on both ends of the field. East Tennessee State controlled possession for much of the half, consistently working the ball into the final third. Every seemingly promising chance to score was either blocked by defenders or snagged by the Lancers’ goalkeeper Sara Curtis.

The Buccaneers’ forwards Grace Eatz and Alex Beck were particularly aggressive, firing shots that kept Curtis on her toes to keep the game scoreless. Despite ETSU’s clear dominance in territory and shot attempts, outshooting the visitors 14-1 at the close of the match, Longwood’s back line stayed compact and organized forcing the Bucs to work tirelessly for every opening. By the time the halftime whistle was blown, the score still remained 0-0.

ETSU finally broke through in the 61st minute thanks to a divisive moment from junior forward, Reagan Fitzgerald. Georgia Shields sent in a cross from the left side, and Fitzgerald got to it first. She jumped and headed the ball clean past Curtis, scoring the only goal of the game. This was Fitzgerald’s third goal this season and the tenth of her career here at ETSU.

The Buccaneers will play their next game on the road against West Georgia on September 4 at 6 p.m. With strong defense, steady goalkeeping, and a key finish from Fitzgerald, East Tennessee State proved they can compete and find ways to win. If they keep building on this performance, they will have the chance to carry this momentum into the rest of the season.

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