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COLUMBUS – The Walden Soccer Complex welcomed an exhilarating showdown on Saturday as it hosted the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Southeast Regional First Round. Top-seeded and second-ranked Columbus State University kicked off the event against the eighth-seeded Francis Marion (S.C.), bringing together two competitive teams eager to make their mark in the tournament.
In a decisive display of dominant soccer, the Lady Cougars (20-0-1) triumphed over the Patriots (12-3-4) with a commanding score of 3-0, marking CSU’s fourth consecutive tournament appearance and their impressive 17th overall in NCAA history.
First Half
The match commenced with both teams testing their defenses, resulting in limited offensive opportunities in the initial five minutes. However, the Lady Cougars quickly seized their chance when a CSU player was taken down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick just six minutes into the match. Vanessa Aviles remained composed under pressure and successfully converted the opportunity, scoring her 10th goal of the season.
Columbus State maintained their momentum and created a swift counterattack in the 21st minute. Michelle Medina showcased her speed, racing down the field and delivering a perfectly placed pass to Abigail Akerson, who effortlessly tapped the ball into the net, extending the lead to 2-0. Despite a shot on goal from FMU in the 22nd minute, CSU goalkeeper Heidi Harris was resolute, denying the Patriots.
As the half progressed, CSU took control, generating additional chances with Sophia Leal and Elle Henschel each attempting shots on goal. The FMU keeper, Erin Grabeel, stood firm against these attempts, but Columbus State ended the half with a significant advantage in shots, clocking in at 10-2 overall.
Second Half
The second half continued with a similar pattern as both teams struggled to convert chances into goals. Columbus State recorded only three shots in the opening 16 minutes, all of which failed to find the target.
Both teams engaged in a defensive struggle, with limited action in the attacking third. FMU managed to register a blocked shot in the 73rd minute, followed by Mia Robinson’s miss just moments later.
Columbus State finally broke the scoring drought in the 76th minute when Faith Knoedler found the net, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Lauren Barnes. With a commanding 3-0 lead and only 14 minutes remaining, the match felt securely in CSU’s grasp. The Patriots managed just one more shot in the 81st minute as the final moments passed without significant threats from either side. The Lady Cougars effectively rotated their lineup to maintain energy on the field, ultimately holding their three-goal lead to advance to the second round on Sunday.
Inside the Numbers
- Columbus State held a 15-4 lead in shots with a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.
- Aviles’ goal marked her 10th of the season, solidifying her place as a game winner.
- Aviles has impressively converted all six of her penalty kick attempts this season.
- Akerson scored her ninth goal of the season, contributing to her total of 20 points this year.
- Both Aviles and Akerson led their team with three shots during the match.
- CSU boasts six players who have surpassed 20 points this season.
- Knoedler now joins a group of seven players with seven or more goals this season.
- Barnes tallied three assists this season, while Medina contributed her second assist.
- Harris secured just one save, bringing her season total to 38.
- CSU led in corner kicks with an 8-2 advantage.
- Columbus State now stands at 6-1 against Francis Marion in the overall series.
Next Up
- Columbus State faces fourth-seeded Catawba (N.C.) on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in the Southeast Regional Second Round at the Walden Soccer Complex.
HICKORY, N.C. – The third-seeded University of North Georgia (UNG) women’s soccer team triumphed over sixth-seeded Wingate with a convincing 2-0 victory in the First Round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament held in Hickory, N.C. This marks a significant achievement, as the Nighthawks advance to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, under the guidance of head coach Kayley Ralton, who celebrates her first official NCAA Tournament win.
On a chilly afternoon, stylish hats and gloves adorned many players as they braved the elements. The Nighthawks ignited the match early, with sophomore forward Chloe Diaz scoring in the 32nd minute and recording her fifth goal of the season.
The intricacies of their attack were on full display as Diaz navigated into attacking territory and set up senior midfielder Darby Olive, who skillfully maneuvered into the Bulldog penalty box before assisting Diaz for a well-placed shot into the right side of the net.
This marked Diaz’s first career goal in the NCAA Tournament, and Olive also celebrated her first tournament assist.
The Nighthawks maintained possession efficiently throughout the remainder of the half, carrying a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half commenced energetically, with UNG quickly doubling its lead in the 50th minute. Freshman midfielder Nina Lopez orchestrated an offensive push, leading teammates into Bulldog territory.
Lopez’s pass found sophomore forward Grace McGil, who confidently struck the ball without hesitation, sending a powerful shot to Wingate’s right side. Despite a heroic dive from Bulldog keeper Haley Faucette, McGil netted the ball, solidifying a commanding 2-0 lead and marking her first NCAA Tournament goal.
The Nighthawks showcased resilience, firmly controlling the game while Wingate pressed desperately to stay in contention.
UNG’s back line remained steadfast, aided by the performance of senior goalkeeper Sierra Fowler, who achieved her fifth shutout this season, recording five saves in the process.
With excitement in the air, the Nighthawks are set to advance, awaiting the outcome between second-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne and seventh-seeded Lander. UNG is poised to face the victor of that matchup on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m., a chance to reach the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
HICKORY, N.C. – In a thrilling display of determination, the Lander women’s soccer team battled back from a 2-0 deficit early in the second half, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory in double overtime against the No. 2 seed and host Lenoir-Rhyne Bears. This monumental win marks the first NCAA Tournament victory in the history of the program.
The seventh-seeded Bearcats faced off against the South Atlantic Conference Tournament champions and the No. 15 ranked team in the country, pushing their record to 9-3-5, while Lenoir-Rhyne’s season concluded at 13-2-5.
Senior Korina Byland emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winner with just 3:33 remaining in the second of two 10-minute sudden-death overtime periods. Rylee King executed a precise free kick from the left side, setting up Byland for a powerful header past the Bears’ keeper.
Alarie Hodge was instrumental in Lander’s comeback, netting two unassisted goals just moments apart in the 66th and 76th minutes to tie the game at 2 and lay the groundwork for the thrilling finish.
The Bearcats outshot the Bears 22-19 and maintained a 12-8 advantage in shots on goal. Lander dominated the second overtime period, exhibiting stellar performance with an impressive 4-0 shot advantage as they pressed for the winner.
With this landmark win, Lander advances to the second round, where they will face Peach Belt rivals and No. 3 seed North Georgia on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Hickory, after UNG earned their place with a 2-0 victory over Wingate earlier on Friday.
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Bree Ehmer’s vital 29th-minute goal propelled No. 17 Catawba College to a decisive 3-0 victory against Flagler College in the first round of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Tournament at the Walden Soccer Complex. This win marks another step forward for Catawba, the No. 4 seed, allowing them to advance to the second round while Flagler’s season concludes with an 8-4-6 overall record.
Ehmer showcased her skill on Lillie Rusher’s corner kick, executing a perfect header delivered to the far-right post, maximizing her height advantage with her 5-foot-10 frame.
Adding to the scoring, Alexah Fite netted a crucial goal in the 41st minute, firing a shot from an angle that found the top right corner, handing the Catawba Indians a 2-0 lead.
Morgan Delair capped off Catawba’s scoring in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a scramble following another corner kick to add a final goal.
Callie Hammond and Ehmer led the team with three shots each, with all of Ehmer’s efforts on target.
Andrea Fernandez recorded seven shots for Flagler, two of which tested the Catawba defense.
Ashley Hughes stood strong with four saves, registering a shutout for the Catawba squad. Henley Grunst also tallied four saves, but it wasn’t enough for Flagler.
Catawba out-shot Flagler 14-11 and dominated corner kicks with a staggering 10-0 advantage.
How did Korina Byland prepare mentally and physically for the decisive match against Lenoir-Rhyne?
**Interview with Korina Byland: Hero of Lander’s Historic NCAA Tournament Victory**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Korina. Congratulations on your incredible performance in the match against Lenoir-Rhyne! Can you take us through the moment you scored the game-winning goal in double overtime?
**Korina Byland:** Thank you! It was such a thrilling moment. The pressure was on, but I focused on the setup from Rylee [King] during that free kick. I knew I had to make a strong move, and when the ball came to me, I just went for a powerful header. It felt amazing to see it go past their keeper and secure the win for my team.
**Interviewer:** You trailed 2-0 at one point in the match. What was the mood like on the field during that comeback?
**Korina Byland:** Initially, it was tough to be down by two, especially against such a strong team. But we kept encouraging each other and knew we had the ability to come back. Alarie [Hodge] was phenomenal with those two quick goals that tied the game. It really boosted our confidence and momentum for the rest of the match.
**Interviewer:** This victory marks the first NCAA Tournament win in program history for Lander. How does it feel to be part of such a historic moment?
**Korina Byland:** It’s an incredible feeling! Knowing that we made history as a team is something I will cherish forever. This victory is a testament to our hard work and determination throughout the season. We’ve pushed each other to get better, and it’s amazing to see that pay off in such a meaningful way.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, you will face either Lenoir-Rhyne or UNG in the second round. What are your thoughts as you prepare for the next match?
**Korina Byland:** We’re definitely going to build on this momentum. We’ll need to focus on our defence and capitalize on our offensive opportunities like we did today. No matter who we face, we’ll stick to our game plan and continue to support each other as a team.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Korina, and once again, congratulations on the win! Best of luck in the next round!
**Korina Byland:** Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
