ST. AUGUSTINE - The No. 23 Flagler College women's soccer team earned its first Peach Belt Conference win Wednesday evening after the Saints downed the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers, 3-1.
 
"USC Aiken set up to frustrate us today, but we are happy with how the team found ways to create chances in congested areas," said head coach Ashley Martin. "We know we have to recover quickly to be ready for a tough test against North Georgia on Saturday."
 
The Saints (2-1-2, 1-0-1) wasted no time getting on the board, scoring within the first 13 minutes. Sophomore Elke Fernandez scored her first goal for Flagler when her free kick from the left side of the field curved into the goal to give the Saints a 1-0 lead. 
 
Eight minutes later, Emery Biggs sent a feed from the left sideline towards the box, allowing Josefine Nilsen to score from the right post to stretch Flagler's lead, 2-0.
 
After halftime, the Pacers (2-1-2, 0-1-1) got on the board in the 62nd minute. Goalkeeper Madison North saved Megan Gettys' shot, but Caroline Czarnecki poked in the rebound to set a 2-1 score. 
 
Sophomore Moa Arlebo sealed the 3-1 score in the 70th minute when she scored from the left-middle of the box, surrounded by three USC Aiken defenders. Arlebo, Fernandez and Nilsen each netted their first goals of the season. 
 
The Saints set the tempo of the game and held an 18-4 advantage in shots, as well as a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. North tallied three saves in the net for Flagler while USC Aiken made four stops between Caitlin Thomason and Kaydence Moore. 
 
Flagler returns to Saints Field for its second of three-straight home games to host the University of North Georgia Saturday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m.
 
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