Lee University (17-2-1) earned a 3-0 victory over the Mount Vernon Nazarene University (11-6-2) Cougars and advancing to the Round of 16 at the NAIA National Tournament.
The Lady Flames used the home-field advantage to build momentum early, and they cashed in on two of their opportunities in the first half. Jamie Achten and Lauren Good scored in the first half for the Lady Flames, and both goals came courtesy of some tic-tac-toe passing.
Achten scored in the 17th minute, finishing the goal after Christiane Christensen one-touched a Darcy Brannen feed to the back post. Good converted just under seven minutes later, cashing in a feed from Christensen to make it 2-0.
In the 83rd minute, Candice Shelton put the ball in the back of the net off a corner kick, icing the game and providing the final margin of 3-0.
Much of the action took place on the Mt. Vernon side of the field, as the Lady Flames controlled the play for much of the night. Lee outshot Mt. Vernon 31-3 in the match, including registering 12 shots on goal. Lady Flames’ keeper Leah Wilson did not have to make a save, as all of the Cougars’ shots missed the frame. The lady Flames also held a 14-0 advantage in corner kick opportunities.
“I was really pleased with the way we came out tonight,” said Coach Matt Yelton after the match. “I thought we really came ready to play tonight and I look forward to getting to the next round in Decatur.”
The Lady Flames advance to the Round of 16 at the NAIA Tournament, and they will face Trinity Christian College in their second round game. The match will be played in Decatur, Ala. on November 30, at 7 p.m.