Agnes Scott College

DECATUR, Ga. - Agnes Scott opened their 2026 soccer campaign with a solid performance against Salem College, dropping their opener by a final score of 2-1. First-year forward Vashondra Sandifer scored her first collegiate goal in the loss.

The Scotties (0-1-0), who struggled offensively, particularly in the second half of the season a year ago, showed they have several options on offense in the new season. The Scotties roared out of the gate, as Piper Martinsen fired a shot on goal just after kickoff, followed by another shot on target from Sandifer only three minutes later. The Spirits (1-1-0) would answer with a shot of their own on target off the foot of Hayley Connolly in the 4th minute of play, which was saved by veteran Scottie goalkeeper Olivia Rosario.

The teams battled for possession over the next ten minutes of play, before Sandifer fired a shot off of an assist from Mahdi Walker, which found the back of the net and gave the Scotties the early advantage. Salem would respond quickly, however, as Hallie Kramer scored three minutes later to even the contest. Salem would tack on a second goal just before halftime to give the Spirits the lead. Dianelis Gonzales-Galan scored off an assist from Audrey Monteith for the 2-1 halftime advantage. 

In the second half, both teams had numerous scoring chances, but both goalies were up to the task. Salem would finish with 23 shots, including 14 on target, while the Scotties were more precise with their attacks, having 9 of their 12 attempts head toward the net. The Scotties had a last ditch attempt to even the contest with only seconds remaining, but Sandifer was unable to get off a clean shot with 3 seconds remaining and her shot sailed wide right.

For the Scotties, Rosario would finish with 12 saves on the day in goal. Martinsen led the way offensively with 5 shots for the Scotties, including 4 on target. Sandifer had 3 shots, Walker finished with an assist and a shot on goal, and Mariana Serment-Alvarez and Hannelis Rodas each also had a shot stopped by the Salem goalie, Michaela Iapaluccio, who finished the contest with 8 saves.

The Scotties will return to action on Thursday, September 10, as they travel to Berry College for a non-conference match at 6:00 p.m.