In a match that had a postseason feel to it, the Covenant women's soccer team picked up its biggest win of the season as a Kyra Duble goal in the 71st minute propelled the Lady Scots to a 1-0 victory over Piedmont on Wednesday afternoon.
The win is crucial one for Covenant (8-5-2, 5-1-1 USA South) as the Lady Scots moved into sole possession of second place in the USA South West Division with just one regular season match left. It was also the first win in Demorest for Covenant since 2011.
Both teams were stingy on defense throughout the match, but Covenant was able to capitalize on its opportunity late in the second half.
Off a corner kick in the 71st minute, Duble took a deflection in the middle of the box and slotted her shot into the right side of the net for the score to give Covenant a 1-0 lead.
The goal was Duble's team-leading ninth of the year and her third game-winning score.
The Covenant defense stood tall the rest of the way to preserve the one-goal edge. Piedmont (11-6-1, 5-2 USA South) took five shots, including two on target, in the final 15 minutes but the host Lions were turned away each time.
Lucy Sandhoff made four saves for Covenant as she registered her seventh shutout of the year. Three of Sandhoff's saves came in the final 45 minutes of play.
It was the fourth shutout for Covenant against USA South foes this season.
Piedmont held a 16-11 edge in total shots as Cassie Kirk led the Lions with three attempts. Kailey Burrell had four shots for Covenant, while Duble had three. Piedmont keeper Miranda McNalley totaled three saves in the loss.
Covenant will host Wesleyan for Senior Day on Saturday in the regular season finale. Match time is set for 2 p.m., with senior ceremony preceding the contest.