GREENWOOD, S.C. – The Columbus State Women's Soccer team (13-5-1) is championship-bound. The Cougars went on the road Wednesday evening and knocked off Lander University (12-3-2) 2–1 in a gritty Peach Belt Conference Semifinal battle at Van Taylor Stadium, earning their spot in Saturday's Peach Belt Conference Championship game.
Columbus State wasted zero time setting the tone. Just 71 seconds into the match, defender
Skye Tumbelty pounced on a loose ball in the box and buried the opener, thanks to a clean assist from
Sarah Hungerford, giving the Cougars a 1–0 lead before most fans even sat down.
The early pressure continued, and in the 11th minute,
Michelle Medina doubled the advantage with her eighth goal of the season, putting Columbus State firmly in control at 2–0. The Cougars generated steady pressure throughout the opening stretch, building early momentum that proved crucial.
Lander fought back late in the half and pulled within one in the 32nd minute on a strike from Peyton Bibbee, but Columbus State's defense and goalkeeper
Heidi Harris tallied four saves and held strong the rest of the way.
By the Numbers
- Shots: Lander 9 | CSU 8
- Shots on Goal: CSU 7 | Lander 5
- Corner Kicks: CSU 10 | Lander 3
- Saves: Harris (CSU) 4 | Lander GK 4
- Fouls: CSU 11 | Lander 10
Up Next: Championship Saturday
The Cougars will face North Georgia in the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Women's Soccer Championship game on Saturday, November 15, in Dahlonega, Ga., at 4:00 p.m. ET.
