ANDERSON, S.C. - The Anderson women's soccer team grabbed an early lead and the Trojans' came up with a stellar defensive outing as AU defeated Erskine, 2-1, in non-conference action Wednesday afternoon at Trojan Stadium.

Anderson snapped a six-match winless skid and improved to 4-5-1 on the season, while claiming its second consecutive win past its closest rival, while Erskine fell to 2-6 with the setback, dropping its fourth in the last five matches.

"I thought we put together a better game today and were able to hold it together down the wire even under great pressure from Erskine," said Anderson head coach Jason Dowiak. "It's always a tough and competitive game against our rivals and today was no different.

The forecasted rain arrived shortly before the teams took the field, but the wet pitch failed to slow the Trojans in the early going as sophomore forward Jessica Kleinberg, who missed six games due to an injury, recorded her first goal of the 2010 campaign less than two minutes into the contest. The Hamilton, Ohio, native worked free in front of the Erskine net and gave the Trojans the early advantage.

The defense stepped to the forefront but both teams threatened in the first half, with Erskine's Kimrey Angotti-Smith blasting one of her two shots on the afternoon at the AU net in the 28th minute, but Trojan keeper Kaitlin Neipp made a diving stop going to her left to preserve the lead.

With less than six minutes left in the half, Anderson mounted a threat of its own when junior midfielder Korrin Kelly ripped a shot just in front of the Fleet goal that EC keeper Si'Ara Washington smothered for one of her four saves on the game.

Anderson senior Katelyn Conover stepped up for the Trojans at the 75:27 mark, notching her third goal in the last two matches and first game-winner of the season when she corralled a deflection in the box and put her shot between the pipes, giving Anderson an insurance goal.

Erskine avoided the shutout and made the final minutes interesting when freshman Stephanie Gauthier recorded her first goal of the season in the 87th minute.

"Getting Jessica (Kleinberg) back into the lineup was a big help obviously as she was able to score one of her typical breakaway goals," added Dowiak. "Katelyn (Conover) came up with another great goal and our defense held strong for 90 minutes. Adrienne (Lough) and Marissa (Johnson) were terrific in keeping us organized and safe."

Anderson recorded 11 shots on the afternoon to the Fleet's eight, with the Trojans holding a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. AU's Allie Waters posted a match-high four shots, including two shots on goal, while Erskine's Kasi Benskin and Kimrey Angotti-Smith each recorded two shots.

Kaitlin Neipp garnered the win with four saves, going the full contest between the pipes for AU, while Erskine's Si'Ara Washington also garnered four saves on the afternoon and absorbing the loss.

Anderson will get back on the pitch Saturday, when the Trojans play host to South Atlantic Conference opponent Catawba. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Trojan Stadium.