No. 2 Carson-Newman Wins 2016 South Atlantic Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship

FINAL BRACKET

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 14^th 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 18^th 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 27^th 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 81^st 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)