The 21st-ranked Wingate University women's soccer team scored a goal in each half as the Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Round of Eight with a 2-0 win this evening in the NCAA Southeast Regional Final. Belmont Abbey ends its season with a mark of 15-4-4, while Wingate advances to the Elite Eight, where it will face Florida Southern, improving to 16-2-4.

Wingate struck first in the 25th minute as Brandi Baldwin fired home a failed Abbey clear to put the Bulldogs ahead 1-0.

Carrying its lead through the half, the Bulldogs added another in the 65th minute on a header from Chandler Murphy on a free kick. Taryn Grivois was credited with the assist.

The Crusaders increased pressure in the second half and had numerous scoring chances, including Cassidy Coutinho's shot in the 54th minute that sailed inches over the crossbar.

Late in the match, Ananda Gebreyesus broke free down the left side but her shot sailed just wide to the right.

Wingate outshot the Abbey 13-12 but the Crusaders edged the Bulldogs 9-8 in the second half. Wingate attempted two corner kicks to just one for the Abbey.

Hannah Kohls stopped six shots.

The Crusaders end their season with 15 wins, the most since 2010, and the Abbey had never before advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament until the season.

Four seniors played their final games: Gebreyesus, Mady Sully, Silvia Vazquez and Meagan Gitchell.