SALISBURY, N.C. – Anderson University Women's Soccer (6-8-2, 3-5-2) capped the 2026 season on the road Saturday evening, falling to nationally ranked No. 18 Catawba (12-4-2, 8-1-1) in a South Atlantic Conference Quarterfinal matchup.
"I am very proud of this group for battling through adversity both in tonight's match and throughout this season," said head coach
Sarah Jacobs. "They left everything they had on the field, and I'm proud of the effort displayed by the entire group."
The Catawba Indians struck just four minutes into the contest to take an early 1-0 lead, but Anderson persevered, keeping the remainder of the first half scoreless. The Trojans continued to pressure the nationally ranked Catawba Indians throughout the evening, with both team's battling through a physical second half.
The Trojans finished the match with an edge in saves over Catawba while the Catawba Indians led the contest in shots and corners. Sophomore
Gabby Kirchner (Lavallette, N.J.) posted four shots for the Black and Gold while senior Whitely Anderson (Eatonton, Ga.) and junior
Zoe Stevenson (Bluffton, S.C.) each tallied a single shot on goal but were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity. Anderson's senior goalkeeper
Aliyah Morgan (Fort Myers, Fla.) tallied four saves on the pitch after facing six shots by the Catawba Indians. Anderson's defense saw 22 shots on the evening while only two found its way to the back of the net.
"We are especially grateful for the impact the seniors had on this program and wish them the best going forward," added Jacobs. "We look forward to getting back to work in our pursuit for a conference championship next year."
The loss brings Anderson's season to a close in the SAC Quarterfinals after the Trojans earned a spot in the conference tournament.
