FROM STAFF REPORTS

MORROW, Ga. –  The first round match for the University of Montevallo women’s soccer team in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament took place Nov. 5. The Falcons squared off with the top-seeded Clayton State Lakers. Regulation and two overtime periods would not be enough time to decide a winner, so the teams had to go to a shootout. Unfortunately for Montevallo, Clayton State lived up to their top billing during the shootout and will advance after taking the shootout 3-1.

In the first half, Montevallo hung tough, but Clayton State had the majority of opportunities. However, the Montevallo defense, particularly Taylor Kerr in goal, was up to the challenge and stopped all chances.

With less than a minute until halftime, the Lakers were finally able to break through, as a scramble in front of the net lead to a ball trickling into the goal. The tally was credited to Jahmela Williams. This put the Falcons in a 1-0 halftime hole.

Montevallo came out in the second half playing inspired soccer. The Falcons controlled play and evened the score at 62:49 when leading scorer Paige Scott put the ball in the back of the net off a free kick from Nicole Johnston.

The Lakers would again take the lead at 73:58. Melissa Hetherington made outstanding moves, cutting through the Falcon defense and perfectly fired the ball in the left side of the net to put the Falcons down a goal.

Montevallo would not concede and continued to create opportunities against the Peach Belt Conference regular season champions. At 82:44, their hard work paid off in the form of a Christine Prince game-tying goal. The senior from Ajax, Ontario buried the equalizer and sent the game into overtime.

Two overtime periods came and went without a winner. In the shootout, Lois Edvardsson went first for Clayton State and scored. Montevallo’s Emma Greenwood then hit the crossbar. Jahmela Williams then hit the ball high, while Octavia Saunders drove one home for the Falcons to even it up. Clayton State would make their next two attempts, while Montevallo would be unable to convert. The Falcons fought valiantly in their bid for an upset, but ultimately came up just short.

The match will be scored a tie, making Montevallo’s record on the year 3-8-5.

This match marked the final time seniors Taylor Kerr, Kaitlin Thomas, Paige Scott, Christine Prince, and Danielle Zak will don the purple and gold.