COLLEGE SPORTS

For the second time in four days, a former member of Lexington’s “Big Three” visited Stone Stadium.

Like childhood friends Mary Katherine Waters and Megan Classer with the College of Charleston, Brooke Power looked to help her new college team Clemson University come out on top on Aug. 23 against the University of South Carolina.

This contest carried much more significance from a state rivalry standpoint.

This kicked off the annual Palmetto Series between the sports programs at Clemson and South Carolina and produced the largest crowd ever to watch a women’s soccer match at Stone Stadium.

Before 6,354 fans, the Gamecocks improved to 3-0 after defeating the Tigers 1-0 for their third straight win in the series.

Lauren Chang’s goal three minutes into the second half accounted for the lone score in a contest which saw both teams combined for 21 fouls - 11 by Clemson.

“It’s just a step higher than high school from a physical level,” said Power, who played 28 total minutes. “Just the speed, just the physical aspect is just a level higher and it’s just something you have to get used to. It’s manageable.”

Power called the crowd the biggest, most energenic crowd she’s played before since the 2016 Class 4A title game won by Lexington.

Clemson still leads the all-time series 13-11-1.