And then there were only four: Lee University, University of West Florida, University of Montevallo, and Union University remain in the hunt for the 2024 Gulf South Conference Women’s Soccer Championship when play continues in the semifinal rounds on Friday at the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex Championship Field in Huntsville, Ala.
Fourth-seeded Lee (7-4-6) earned the right to face top-seed West Florida (13-1-3) in the semifinal round with an impressive 5-1 victory over Valdosta State University. West Florida moved on with a 2-1 win over Spring Hill College.
Lee’s five goals against Valdosta was the most recorded by the defensive-strong Lady Flames all season. Earlier three goals in a game were the most scored, and they came against the University of West Alabama, Spring Hill, and Mississippi College.
There were no quarterfinal upsets as No. 3 Union downed Delta State University and No.2 Montevallo won over Mississippi College. The Lady Flames will face off against the Argonauts at 4 p.m. (EST) and the Montevallo and Union match will follow. The championship is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. (EST).
Said Lady Flames’ Coach Lee Hughes, “The staff and team are really excited for this Friday’s game! Excited we will get more opportunities to get better this week also! We have been focusing on just improving each day and that is the plan for the rest of the week. Regardless of who we are playing, we are going to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday,” the coach said in closing.
The Lady Flames lost to the Argos 2-0 on Oct. 6. West Florida finished the regular season unbeaten but had ties against GSC newcomer Trevecca (Oct. 4) and Montevallo on Oct. 23.
The five goals scored by the Lady Flames against Valdosta State in the quarterfinal round of the GSC Championship were the most scored by a women’s soccer team in the GSC tournament play since 2012.
It so happens that in 2017 Lee defeated VSU by the same 5-1 total. Apparently, the Lady have enjoyed putting five goals on the board against Valdosta. This past Sunday (Nov. 4) marked the fourth time Lee has posted five goals on the Blazers!
Quarterfinal match tickets are available through the host school. Tickets for semifinals and championship matches at Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex are available through vivenu. Digital tickets available only.
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