Woods Delivers Game Winner As Blue Raiders Remain Perfect At Home

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Lisa-Marie Woods had to work overtime to record her first collegiate goal at Middle Tennessee Friday, but the sophomore from Norway wasn't complaining about the extra labor put forth after she ripped a shot over the keeper's head from 18 yards out to lift the Blue Raiders to a 1-0 overtime win against Georgia State at Blue Raider Field.

Woods' first goal as a Blue Raider came in the 95th minute after she took a well-placed pass from Beth Wade, made a couple moves and delivered the game winner beyond the reach of an outstretched Alexa Pasquarelli.

"We were trying to push everything up and Beth Wade did exactly that," Woods said. "All I had to do was put it in the goal. It felt great and it was a big team win."

The Blue Raiders (5-3) improved to 3-0 at home by winning their first overtime game of the season in a defensive battle against a solid Georgia State (3-2-3) squad. Middle Tennessee's defense was outstanding in triumph, turning back numerous attempts from the Lady Panthers.

Freshman keeper Jenny Manis collected a career-best 11 saves in the defensive showcase as she thwarted every scoring opportunity sent her way, and Middle Tennessee defenders Wade, Sara Wohlhueter, Jessica Northcutt and Katy Rayburn were solid in helping the Blue Raiders record their fourth shutout. The opposition has not scored against Middle Tennessee at Blue Raider Field this season.

"We played against a very good team today in Georgia State," Middle Tennessee coach Aston Rhoden said. "This was our first overtime game of the year. For our defense to stop their attack every time speaks a great deal about our team. It was a very good win and one we had to work hard to obtain."

Middle Tennessee managed 18 shots, including eight on goal, but Pasquarelli had an answer for seven of them. She couldn't deny Woods; however, midway through the overtime period.

The Blue Raiders' scheduled game against Alabama A&M Sunday has been moved to Oct. 4.

NOTES: Manis continued her solid work with a career-best 11 saves as she earned the Alexander Automotive Family Defensive Player of the Game award, as voted on by the working media. Woods was named the Offensive Player of the Game with the only goal ... Middle Tennessee recorded its fourth shutout of the season with the win ... The Blue Raiders have not allowed a goal in three home games this season, outscoring the opposition 12-0 during the span ... Friday's game against Georgia State marked the first overtime contest of the season. Middle Tennessee is 2-0-1 in overtime games under Rhoden and 9-1-7 all-time in overtime games.

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