Marietta, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team clinched a SSAC semifinal appearance with a dominant 4-1 win over Brewton-Parker Thursday night.
Senior Day festivities took place before kickoff, but it was a sweet victory for the Running Eagles that highlighted the night as the three-goal win pushed the team to the second seed, propelling the team into a first round bye.
In the Thursday night win, the Running Eagles claimed an early lead in the 12th minute as Anakah Madril opened the Senior day scoring a goal off a sweet assist from Dana Billington.
Life University continued to sustain a dangerous attack throughout the first 45, recording 13 shots in the first half alone. Brewton-Parker keeper Kelsie Stapler stood tall in the first half, pulling in eight saves before the Running Eagles were able to double the count just moments before halftime.
Dana Billington's goal came in the 44th minute (44:58) came after a ground delivery across the box from Lavinia Horning set the midfielder up with time and space. The Freshman's powerful shot through traffic found side-netting, doubling the Life U. lead, 2-0.
Second half action resumed with an Agnes Birta Stefansdottir goal in the 52nd minute, as again it was a Dana Billington service into the box being finished by a midfielder, 3-0.
The Barons refused to go down without a fight as a goal in the 56th minute narrowed Life U's lead, 3-1.
After conceding the goal, the Running Eagles scored one last crucial goal in the 65th minute as two Seniors (Sarah Slingluff and Anakah Madril) connected one last time at Lupo Family Field.
The play developed after a solid win in the midfield from Madril put Life University on the break. A give and go with Agnes Birta Stefansdottir led Madril into the attacking third before a penetrating through ball put Sarah Singluff one on one with the keeper.
Singluff slotted the shot into the top half of the net as the Running Eagles claimed the critical three goal win.
The consequential final goal of the contest moved Life University into the two seed as a tie earlier in the season against Middle Georgia nullified the initial head-to-head tiebreak.
Life University's three goal win over Brewton-Parker combined with Middle Georgia's loss to Dalton State means the Running Eagles will now jump straight into the semifinals to face the winner of the 3/6 matchup.
For a full breakdown of the 2022 SSAC Women's Soccer Championship click HERE.
Fans looking to attend the semifinal matchup on November 9th can buy tickets at ssacsports.com/tickets.
Following the win, Interim Head Coach Matthew Perry shared his thoughts.
"What a special night to recognize this great group of seniors," said Perry. "We are so proud of what they have done for this program and we are looking forward to the tournament. Everyone is 0-0 now and we can't wait to give it a really good go!"
Life University's semifinal matchup will take place at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex in Montgomery, Ala. Kickoff for the contest is set for 2:30 PM (EST).
