Pulaski, Tenn. – The Columbia College women's soccer team was back on the field today when they traveled to Pulaski, Tennessee to compete against the Taylor (Ind.) University Trojans in the Opening Round of the 2019 NAIA National Championships. The Cougars defeated the Trojans 4-1, improving their record to 19-3 and advancing them to the second game of the National Championships.

The Cougars came out on fire and got on the board first with a goal by Kelsey Mirts off a pass from Lucy Kingsley. At the 10^th minute Emma Laney increased the Cougars lead when she netted the second goal. A corner kick by Jewel Morelan created the opportunity for Brooke Schneider to net the third goal at the 21^st minute mark. Columbia led 3-0 going into the half.

Control of the ball went back and forth throughout the second half. The Trojans were able to get on the board with a goal by Emma Walsh in the 85^th minute. However, the Cougars retaliated 12 seconds later when Brianna Heath scored the fourth goal for the Cougars to seal the victory.  

Kate Marshall was in goal and recorded two saves for Columbia.

The Cougars will be back on the field on Saturday, November 23^rd when the take on the 5^th ranked Martin Methodist (Tenn.) College Redhawks in the second game of the Opening Round. The Game is set to start at 1:00 p.m. in Pulaski, Tennessee.