MATTHEWS, S.C. – Anderson University women's soccer (11-4-2, 6-3-1 SAC) surged past No. 7 Wingate (8-8-1, 5-5 SAC), defeating the Bulldogs 2-0 in a SAC semifinal matchup Friday night to secure the programs first-ever trip to the South Atlantic Conference tournament championship.
 
"This group has been waiting for this rematch and was ready to go from the start." said head coach Sarah Jacobs.
 
The most recent conference championship appearance by the Trojans was in Nov. 2009 when Anderson was a member of Conference Carolinas.
 
The Black and Gold produced an early lead in the third minute with the game winning goal scored by Camryn Woods (Bettendorf, Iowa). Catherine Nardella (Clovis, Calif.) started the play with a great pass to Ansley Douty, who quickly found Woods for the long-range goal.
 
In just the sixth minute of the match, Gabby Kirchner (Lavallette, N.J.) finalized the scoring for the Trojans. Meggie Powell (Johnson City, Tenn.)  delivered a well targeted throw-in to Woods who set up Kirchner for another long-range goal on the pitch.
 
The second half of the match was a defensive showcase for Anderson with goalkeeper Aliyah Morgan (Fort Myers, Fla) facing eight shots by the Bulldogs, resulting in highlight worthy saves on the pitch. The match marks Morgan's ninth shutout during this historic season.
 
"Two early, top-class goals have us an early lead, and we were able to manage the rest of the game. Our defense did a great job of keeping a clean sheet with some incredible saves from Aliyah. I have never seen a group with more belief and desire. I can't wait to see what we can do on Sunday." added Jacobs.
 
The Black and Gold return to Matthews, N.C. on Sunday when they play No. 1 Catawba for the conference championship title matchup. The match is slated for 1 p.m.