Columbus State Ends Carson-Newman’s Season In NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Lady Eagles ended their season in Pensacola, Florida in a 1-0 heartbreaker against Columbus State. Carson-Newman ends their season at 16-6-1 in the "Sweet Sixteen" of the NCAA Division II women's soccer tournament and Columbus State advances to play West Florida University on Sunday.

The Lady Eagles came out strong as they battled against Columbus state and possessed the ball for the first 25 minutes of the game. The sole goal of the game was headed into the back of the net in the 24th minute of the game by Kellie Myles. She was assisted by Jill Walthall. The remainder of the half was a back and forth battle between the two powerhouses as Carson-Newman attempted to even the score.

After halftime, both teams came out with a fresh intensity and had several scoring opportunities. Freshman keeper Lauren MacKenzie (Barrie, Ont.) finished the game with five saves to keep the Lady Eagles in the game.

Columbus State outshot Carson-Newman 12-5, the Lady Eagles being led by sophomore Morgan Gruenenfelder (Sweetwater, Tenn.) and senior Brittany Moore (Lenoir City, Tenn.) both tallying two each.

"The team is disappointed because they know that they have played well today. I think today we have played as well as you can play without winning," stated head coach Phil McNamara, "We played a strong opponent in Columbus state that we had a convincing loss to in the season. I thought the players showed a lot of character to come out and play an excellent style of soccer against a team that is extremely athletic."

Carson-Newman rallied Columbus State in the final twenty minutes of the game and despite numerous opportunities, the Lady Eagles were unable to find the back of the net.

"Our four seniors had extremely great individual games and for them that is an end of an excellent personal career at Carson-Newman. Overall this has been a remarkable season both individually and collectively for this group of players," added McNamara, "Making the sweet sixteen with this squad of players as small as it was a remarkable accomplishment and one of the most rewarding seasons of my career. I want to thank the four seniors for their time and effort over the past four years."

Soccer Game Summary (Final)
West Florida Women's Soccer
#18 Carson-Newman vs #3 Columbus St. (11/21/08 at Pensacola, Fla.)

Carson-Newman (16-6-1) vs. Columbus St. (21-3-1)
Date: 11/21/08 Attendance: 269
Weather: Cold, Windy

Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
Carson-Newman....... 0 0 - 0
Columbus St......... 1 0 - 1

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 24:33 CSUW Myles, Kellie (3) (Walthall, Jill) - header inside far post

Shots: Carson-Newman 5, Columbus St. 12
Saves: Carson-Newman 5 (Lauren MacKenzie 5), Columbus St. 2 (Sanchez,
Monica 2)