BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. – The fourth goal of the season for Sabrina Cunha turned out to be the biggest one yet for the Belmont Abbey women's soccer team as it defeated Francis Marion 1-0 in the semifinals of the 2023 Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Tournament Friday at Bryan Park.
 
The Crusaders, who entered the match as the No. 2 seed, defeated the No. 3 seed Patriots in the first meeting of the season between the two sides.
 
Cunha's goal came with just over four minutes remaining in the match off an assist from Logan Parry. It was the second straight match that Parry recorded an assist.
 
Belmont Abbey improves to 11-2-4 on the season and advances to the championship match against UNC Pembroke on Sunday. Francis Marion closes the season at 8-6-4.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Crusaders came out aggressively on offense with four shots in the first 20 minutes of the match.
Belmont Abbey out-shot Francis Marion 6-3 in the first 45 minutes.
Parry led the team with three shots followed by Gabriela Enciso and Paige D'Agostin who had a pair of shots as well.
Belmont Abbey finished with seven shots on goal and all seven were recorded by different players.
Brianna Sroka made four saves in goal, three coming in the second half.
 
UP NEXT
Belmont Abbey faces top-seed UNC Pembroke for the Conference Carolinas Championship on 4 p.m. Sunday at Bryan Park. The winner of that match clinches an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
The Crusaders defeated the Braves 4-3 back on September 19 at Alumni Field.