Savannah - Looking for a signature victory to start off the year, the 13th-ranked Columbus State University women's soccer team lost in heartbreaking fashion as top-ranked University of West Florida scored a goal in the final second of the first overtime period to defeat CSU 3-2 Friday afternoon.   

The match took place in Savannah as part of the Holiday Inn Express Savannah Midtown "Clash on the Coast" hosted by Armstrong Atlantic State University. 

"Overall, the girls competed and I was very pleased with their effort," said head coach Jay Entlich. "Obviously, we are all disappointed with the end result but I'm hopeful that we learn from our mistakes and grow as a team." 

"We need to regroup and be ready mentally and physically for Sunday." 

Heading into overtime knotted at two-all, West Florida put pressure on the Lady Cougars early as sophomore Meosha Hatcher saved a dangerous shot off a corner kick in the 91st minute. A few minutes later, reigning NSCAA National Player of the Year, Chelsea Palmer fired a shot wide. 

Things became interesting in the final minute of play in the first overtime period. On a shot attempt, Palmer and Hatcher collided causing both players to exit the game. On the following attack, Freyja Vidarsdottir, who entered the match for Palmer, chipped the ball into the net as the buzzer sounded for the golden goal. 

UWF out-shot Columbus State 26-12 including holding a 4-0 margin in the overtime period. The Argonauts also held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. 

The Lady Cougars had a golden opportunity to take the lead early in the match as Chelsea Person drew a foul in the box to earn a penalty kick in the 11^th minute. However, Person's shot attempt was denied by Sarah Story to keep the match scoreless. 

In the 25th minute, the Argos strung together an attack as Sara Helgadottir sent a shot into the upper right corner of the net to give UWF a 1-0 lead. 

After the two sides exchanged shots, sophomore Tori Hood scored the equalizer in the 41st minute on a point-blank shot attempt. Mandy Janowitz assisted on the goal. 

UWF collected the first two shot attempts in the second half but were unable to break the tie. 

On a free kick in the 58th minute, Shea Wilby fought off defenders and sent a shot for a goal to give the Lady Cougars a 2-1 lead. 

CSU continued to hold off the powerful Argo attack until Palmer headed a goal in off of a Korrie Abernathy free kick in the 70th minute.  

Columbus State's final scoring opportunity in regulation came in the 84th minute when Kelsey Pelletier's shot was turned away by Story. 

For the match, Meosha Hatcher turned in a fine performance in her first career start. She made 14 saves setting a new CSU single-match record. 

Freshman Maylyn Parsons (0-1) took the tough luck loss allowing the last second goal. 

Columbus State will continue play in the Holiday Inn Express Savannah Midtown "Clash on the Coast" taking on No. 2 Grand Valley State University Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. The Lakers played to a 0-0 tie earlier in the day against No. 5 Armstrong.