Orange Beach, AL- The third-seed University of the Cumberlands women's soccer team concludes the 2022 season after falling to second-seed Marian in the NAIA Semifinals. Despite the loss, UC led in every offensive category, outshooting the Knights 16-7.
UC came into the match with an 18-1-3 overall record, including a 4-0-2 mark against NAIA Top-10 teams. The team faced off against Marian earlier in the season and drew a 0-0 tie. This time around, the Patriots controlled offensive possessions. For 90 minutes UC fought hard against Marian in hopes of advancing to the final round.
In the 65
th minute Naomi Walters, the Knights leading goal scorer, sent a ball into the back of the Patriots' net putting them up 1-0. This would be the only goal of the game.
Facing just their second loss of the season was tough for this record-breaking team, but the players left everything they had on the field.
Carola Fontan led the team with a career-high five shot attempts, two of which were on goal. Four other Patriots were able to get two shots off-
Noah Paalman,
Selena Barnett,
Laura Navajas, and
Rita Aguye Cots. Cumberlands out-shot the Knight 16-7 with six shots on goal. The team also garnered four corner kicks, while Marian had none.
On top of an impressive offensive performance, the Pats were also dominant on the defensive end. Goalkeeper
Georgia Martell made two saves and UC's backline limited the Knights to only three shots on goal.
UC finishes out the season 18-2-3. During the fall the Pats broke numerous team records and advanced to the semi-final round of the NAIA Tournament for the first time in program history. Competing as a Patriot for the last time was
Alba Lorca,
Abby Baker,
Irene Medina,
Laura Navajas,
Savannah Prigmore, and
Selena Barnett. A senior class that made a lasting impact on the program and their younger teammates.
For the latest and most up-to-date information on the University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, Youtube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching the University of the Cumberlands Athletics.Â
Â
Â