The Clemson women’s soccer team kicked off its spring season in style with a 2-0 win over the Georgia Southern Eagles on Saturday, March 2. Despite not having played a match in over three months, the Tigers seemed anything but rusty in their home win.

Clemson’s first goal came off the foot of freshman Dani Davis, who pounced on a loose ball in the box and sent it sailing past the fingertips of the Eagles’ goalkeeper. Fellow freshman Tatum Short made it 2-0 before halftime when she moved behind the Eagles’ defense and beat the goalkeeper 1-on-1.

The orange and purple played a goalless yet powerful second half. They managed to keep the ball on the offensive side of the field for nearly the entire 45-minute half, though some big chances and strong shots were thwarted by Georgia Southern.

Throughout their comfortable win, the Tigers experimented with player positions and found their rhythm as they expertly passed the ball from defense to offense, looking to fill in the gaps left by graduates Makenna Morris and Hal Hershfelt.

For the Tigers, Saturday’s game was a great way to keep their legs fresh. During the spring season — considered the “nontraditional” season — the Tigers will only play five games. The Tigers’ “traditional” fall season ended after 26 games when they fell 2-0 to the No. 1 Florida State Seminoles in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.

With a win to start the spring season already secured, the Tigers will have a month to plan for their next game. Clemson will take on the Furman Paladins on April 2 at Historic Riggs Field as the team looks to earn a win over its in-state neighbors.