Lee Upsets West Florida in Thrilling NCAA DII Women’s Soccer Showdown
In a highly anticipated match between 17th-ranked Lee and 4th-ranked West Florida at the UWF Soccer Complex, spectators were treated to an exhilarating contest that lived up to the hype. With both teams being NCAA DII women’s soccer powerhouses, their history of 10 meetings showcased the intensity and competitiveness of their rivalry. After a hard-fought battle, the Lady Flames emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, resulting in the series being squared at 4-4-2.
Last season, West Florida eliminated Lee from the national tournament, making this victory a crucial mid-season triumph for the Lady Flames. By handing West Florida their first defeat of the season, Lee maintained their unbeaten record at 7-0-3 overall and an impressive 5-0-1 in GSC play. On the other hand, the Argonauts’ record fell to 7-1-1, 4-1-0.
The match was a defensive struggle under heated conditions in the Florida panhandle, captivating spectators from start to finish. The Lady Flames showcased exceptional teamwork and effort, led by players such as Ashley Eulo, Juliana Lopes, Katie Wilson, Avery Sides, Kate Dirkse, and Jordan Blair.
Lee seized control of the game in the seventh minute when Alaysia Nye scored, marking her team-leading seventh goal of the season. Grace Berry provided the assist, her third of the year. However, West Florida quickly responded, equalizing in the 20th minute with Mya Swinton’s unassisted goal.
The defining moment arrived in the 70th minute when Ruth Edrington unleashed a powerful shot that sailed into the right-side corner of the net from 15 yards out. This unassisted goal secured the victory for Lee and marked Edrington’s first goal of the season. Despite coming off the bench, Edrington’s 42 minutes on the field made a significant impact.
The first half saw limited opportunities for the Lady Flames, as they only managed two shots compared to the Argonauts’ nine. Lee goalkeeper Abby Whitcomb made two crucial saves during this period. The tables turned in the second half, with Lee firing five shots and finishing the game with a total of seven. Meanwhile, the Argonauts tallied seven shots in the second half alone, resulting in a total of 16 for the match.
Whitcomb ended the contest with three saves for Lee, while Maciah Lipsey made three saves for West Florida. Despite the Argonauts holding a commanding advantage in corner kicks with 12-2, the resolute defense of Lee held firm. A gritty match ensued, with 29 fouls being called, with 19 against Lee and 10 against West Florida. The referee issued two yellow cards, one to each team.
Looking ahead, the Lady Flames will host Shorter University on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. for the annual Kickin It For Kids With Cancer match. This highly anticipated event aims to raise funds for the Austin Hatcher Foundation, which provides support to families affected by pediatric cancer.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Chris Hennessey expressed his pride in the team’s competitive spirit and solid defensive performance. Securing two significant victories over the weekend, he emphasized the importance of the team’s cohesion and their ability to execute their game plan. Hennessey particularly commended Ruth Edrington for her exceptional goal and Abby Whitcomb for her crucial save in the second half. With an optimistic outlook, he believes in the potential of this team.
The Lady Flames now look forward to a string of home games before hitting the road again. The upcoming matches will provide an opportunity to build upon their recent success and establish their dominance in the league.
In conclusion, Lee’s thrilling upset over West Florida showcased the team’s resilience, determination, and strong defensive capabilities. With the victory, the Lady Flames have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in NCAA DII women’s soccer.
