PENSACOLA, Fla. - For the first time in school history, the No. 7-seeded Columbia College women's soccer team has advanced the the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women's Soccer Semifinals. Columbia upset No. 2-seeded William Carey University (Miss.) this evening, 2-1.
Despite being outshot 21-5 by the Lady Crusaders, the Cougars found a way to connect on two goals.
Madeleine Shylanski gave Columbia their first goal of the contest in the 4th minute of action from just inside the penalty box. This deemed the only goal of the first half as Columbia led 1-0.
The Cougars took three shots in the opening half, while the Lady Crusaders placed eight.
Six minutes into the second half of action, William Carey tied the contest at 1-1.
Just over a minute later,
Delfina Zolesio Fernandez Blanco headed in a cross from
Emma Cloud in the 52nd minute. This was the final goal of the game, which gave Columbia the 2-1 victory.
Madeleine Shylanski earned her fourth goal of the season, while
Delfina Zolesio Fernandez Blanco secured her 22nd goal of the 2024 campaign.
Natalie Allison made five saves in the contest, giving up one goal through 90 minutes of action.
Columbia will face the winner of No. 3-seeded Keiser University (Fla.) and No. 11-seeded Tennessee Southern on December 7. Kick off for the semifinal is set for 4 p.m.
