BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — The Belmont Abbey women's soccer team earned a return trip to the Conference Carolinas Championship match thanks to a 3-1 semifinal victory over UNC Pembroke Friday evening at the Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park.
The second-seeded Crusaders defeated the third-seeded Braves for the second time this season.
Haley Long led the offensive charge for the Abbey with a goal and two assists in the win.
Francesca Highton and
Hannah Willis also earned goals in the victory for the Crusaders.
Belmont Abbey improves to 15-4-1 on the season and will face top-seed Francis Marion for the Conference Carolinas Championship Sunday at 2 p.m. UNC Pembroke finishes its season with a 10-7-1 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Crusaders got on the board in the ninth minute of the contest when Highton scored from inside the box. Long and Caroline Roche were credited with assists on the play.
- UNC Pembroke equalized just over a minute later with Eli Soderberg's goal to make it 1-1.
- Hannah Willis put Belmont Abbey ahead for good in the 30th minute when she scored from close range after a shot from Long was saved.
- The Crusaders held the Braves to just two shots in the first half.
- After UNCP was called for a handball in the box, Long got her 10th goal of the season on the penalty kick to put the Crusaders up 3-1.
- Belmont Abbey finished with a 15-6 advantage in shots and held the Braves to just two shots on goal in 90 minutes.
- Sabrina Cunha led the Abbey with five shots.
- Ryleigh Dougherty's lone save came late in the match to seal the victory.
- The Crusaders have eight corner kicks compared to one for the Braves.
UP NEXT
- No. 2 seed Belmont Abbey will face top-seeded Francis Marion in the Conference Carolinas Championship match at 2 p.m. Sunday from Bryan Park.
- It is the second straight year that the Crusaders and Patriots will play for the title with the winner earning the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
- A win Sunday would give Belmont Abbey its first Conference Carolinas title since 2014.
