COLUMBUS – In a match with high intensity and all-out effort, the second-ranked and top-seeded Columbus State women's soccer team secured the program's 10th Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship with Sunday's 1-0 win over Flagler (Fla.) at the Walden Soccer Complex.
On paper, the Lady Cougars (19-0-1) dominated the Saints (8-3-6) with an offensive onslaught that produced a total of 31 shots. However, Flagler's defensive performance and the efforts from keeper Henley Grunst kept CSU at bay until the dying moments of the match. With the win, Columbus State secured the PBC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
First Half
Despite leading 14-3 in overall shots, the Lady Cougars found it difficult to produce quality chances with just three shots landing between the posts. CSU opened the first 19 minutes of play with a 6-2 shot advantage, missing the mark all six times. The first shot between either team that was on frame came in the 20th minute off the foot of
Michelle Medina, but Grunst thwarted the opportunity.
Kendal Coreil had a great look at goal with a floating attempt to get past Grunst in the 29th minute, yet the Saints' keeper denied the would-be goal. Moments later, Flagler nearly broke the scoring drought as Samatha St. Pierre's shot smacked the woodwork in the 32nd minute.
CSU would finish with four more shots with one finding the target as
Mia Robinson's attempt in the 41st minute was saved by Grunst once again. Controversy would ensue in the final seconds of the half as
Brooke Yount chipped the keeper and found the back of the net as time expired for what would've been the opening goal. However, after some celebrations from CSU and a meeting between the officials, it was deemed her shot did not count and the match remained scoreless at the half.
Second Half
The Lady Cougars continued with the offensive dominance in the second half, producing a 17-2 shot advantage. CSU notched six shots on goal in the second half with one finally landing in the back of the net in the dying moments of the game.
Flagler registered the first shot of the half in the 49th minute, missing the mark. Columbus State responded with a wave of five opportunities within the next five minutes. Three of those chances were blocked while
Lizz Forshaw's shot in the 53rd minute was denied by Grunst and a point-blank attempt from
Emma Beddow in the 54th minute rang off the left post to keep the match scoreless.
Elle Henschel gave the Lady Cougars a pair of shots on goal in the 63rd minute and 70th minute, but it was Grunst yet again that had the final say in the matter. After nearly 18 minutes of action and four missed shots later, Beddow and CSU were denied once again in the 80th minute to remain at a 0-0 draw.
Late in the half, the Lady Cougars were knocking on the door, but with no answer as attempts from
Faith Knoedler in the 82nd minute and
Abigail Akerson in the 88th minute hit the top woodwork. Columbus State finally had their shining moment with 45 seconds remaining on the clock as a foul in the box sent
Vanessa Aviles to the penalty spot. The senior from California was cool, calm, and collected, slotting home the game-winner to lift the Lady Cougars over Flagler and earn herself the Tournament MVP honor.
Inside the Numbers
- Columbus State secured the second-consecutive and program's 10th overall PBC Tournament Title.
- Prior to Sunday's win, CSU was 0-3 against Flagler in the PBC Tournament Championship.
- The Lady Cougars led 31-5 in overall shots and 9-0 in shots on goal.
- Aviles' goal was her ninth of the season and fourth game winner.
- Aviles has gone a perfect 5-for-5 from the penalty spot this season.
- Beddow led the team with six shots overall, followed by Aviles with five while Henschel led with two shots on goal.
- CSU dominated 17-1 in corner kicks.
- Grunst finished with eight saves on the afternoon.
After the match, the All-Tournament Team was recognized with Aviles earning Tournament MVP Honors. For CSU,
Anna LaBarbera,
Sage Smith, and Knoedler were given the All-Tournament nods.
All-Tournament Team
- Maci Dunlap, Georgia Southwestern
- Sophia Willis, USC Beaufort
- Carrie Consolino, Clayton State
- Emma Sexton, Lander
- Adriana Duque, Georgia College & State University
- Ava Martin, Georgia College & State University
- Alizee Buresi, North Georgia
- Darby Olive, North Georgia
- Andrea Fernandez, Flagler
- Grace Simon, Flagler
- Samantha St. Pierre, Flagler
- Anna LaBarbera, Columbus State
- Faith Knoedler, Columbus State
- Sage Smith, Columbus State
Tournament MVP
Next Up
- Columbus State will await the NCAA National Tournament bracket reveal which will take place on Monday night at 7 p.m. ET with a live stream on NCAA.com.
