CLINTON, S.C. – The burgeoning rivalry between the Presbyterian College women's soccer team and USC Upstate saw another exuberant chapter on Wednesday night during a crucial Big South Conference contest. Ultimately, the Spartans took a 3-2 victory thanks to a 73^rd-minute game-winner.

PC's offense jolted to a new level in the opening stages, putting up two goals in under 19 minutes from regular point-getter Lindsey Malyszek and true freshman Maddi Merryweather.

However, last season's league champions battled back to tie things up at two apiece in the 56^th minute. Upstate would hit once again at 72:08 to escape a valiant effort by the Blue Hose.

The last three encounters between Presby and the Spartans have seen a combined 12 goals scored. Four of the last five in this series have been decided by a single point.

From here, head coach Matt Smith's group will go on a nine-day rest period before the 2025 home finale against Winthrop next week. They will then finish the regular season at Charleston Southern.


 
FINAL SCORE: USC Upstate, 3 | Presbyterian, 2

RECORDS: Presbyterian (3-9-2…0-5-1) | USC Upstate (8-5-1…5-1-0)

LOCATION: Edens Field at Martin Stadium (Clinton, S.C.)


 
HOW IT HAPPENED

 
- It took just over three minutes for the offense to make its presence felt on a night where both teams traded heavy blows. Upstate drew first blood with fewer than four minutes gone by.

- Merryweather prevented that lead from lasting very long, receiving a pinpoint pass by senior Sloan Spees to allow the Kentucky native to beat out Spartan goalie Marley Gerber and collect her first goal in a college uniform.

- Twice in a three-game span versus the Spartans, a Blue Hose player has registered their first-ever goal. Allie Williams and Sydney Lassiter both did it last season during a 2-2 tie against this same club.

- The match stayed at a 1-1 stalemate for only 11 minutes, as Lindsey Malyszek notched her team-leading fifth goal of the season on an assist by Allie Williams.

- For Williams, it was her fifth dime of the semester which leads all other players in the Big South.

- Ahead at intermission for the second time this year against a conference opponent, PC was unfortunately unable to sustain their slim lead as Upstate charged back in the mix.

- Presbyterian's 2-1 lead was firm for 37 minutes of game-time, although the visitors worked their way back into another tie and eventually the lead over a stretch of 17 minutes.

- Caroline Simpkins connected on a far-out attempt for the game's last strike, dealing the Scotsmen a close loss in that one swift moment.


 
UP NEXT

 
- PC's next challenger, the Winthrop Eagles, acquired their first Big South win on Wednesday as they outlasted Longwood 1-0. The lone goal came on a penalty kick at 78:56, although they will first face Radford before turning their full attention to the Blue Hose.

- Presbyterian downed Winthrop one-nil two seasons ago, playing them to a two-all tie last October at home. This will be the final match at Martin Stadium for coach Smith's gang.

- First touch next Friday is labeled for 7:00, streaming live on ESPN+.