No. 2 Carson-Newman Wins 2016 South Atlantic Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship
ROCK HILL, S.C – The No. 2 seeded Carson-Newman women's soccer team used two first half goals while surviving a second half surge by the fifth-seeded Wingate on Sunday afternoon to claim the 2-1 victory and the 2016 South Atlantic Conference Championship.
With both team trying to settle into the championship match, neither team recorded a shot until the eight minute mark in the opening half with the Eagles being credited with three straight.
During the 14th minute, the fourth shot attempt by Carson-Newman resulted in a goal by senior Julianne Herrity after taking a perfect pass from sophomore Varin Ness, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage. Herrity's goal was her 18th of the year.
Carson-Newman continued to control the first half with sophomore Holly Talbut-Smith punching in the give and go by Ness in the 27th minute to claim a 2-0 lead. Talbut-Smith's goal was her eighth of the season.
Despite being down by two goals, the Bulldogs shifted gears and began a charge of its own. Wingate outshot the Eagles 7-2 over the final 18 minutes of the half gaining confidence for the second half of play.
The Bulldogs persistence finally paid off in the 81st minute when teammate Maggie Smith found Kimmi Moore scoring her eighth goal of the season, bringing Wingate with one, 2-1.
Just two minutes later, Wingate's Kaitlyn Fletcher's shot hit the post for the potential match equalizer.
The Eagles backline didn't allow another shot from the Bulldogs shutting down any comeback hopes for Wingate.
With the 2-1 victory, Carson-Newman receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2016 South Atlantic Conference All-Tournament Team
Jessica Feronti, Lenoir-Rhyne
Christina Shimshock, Lenoir-Rhyne
Emily Toftberg, Anderson
Melanie Maddox, Anderson
Taylor Leyble, Wingate
Kimmi Moore, Wingate
Kaitlin Brunworth, Wingate
Heida Ragney, Carson-Newman
Helen Seed, Carson-Newman
Magda Mosengo, Carson-Newman
Alex Brandan, Carson-Newman
Heida Ragney, Carson-Newman (MVP)