Keiser Claims Second Straight Sun Conference Tournament Title
Savannah, Georgia – Louise Andersson netted the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute as the second-seed Keiser Seahawks defeated fourth-seed Thomas 1-0 in The Sun Conference championship game Saturday night at the SCAD Athletic Complex. With the win the Seahawks claim their second straight Sun Conference tournament championship.
Both teams came out strong looking to gain an early advantage. Thomas (11-9) took back-to-back corner kicks at the six minute mark but couldn’t convert. Keiser responded taking the first six shots of the contest but Sara-Ann Hartley made three of her seven saves to keep the game scoreless. The two goalies traded saves keeping the game scoreless at the intermission.
Keiser (15-2-1) controlled the ball to start the second half firing off two corner kick and three shots. In the 62nd minute Stephanie Morini sent a cross into the box to Andersson. Andersson headed the ball, which bounced right in front of her and she fired a shot to the lower left corner of the goal to give the Seahawks a 1-0 lead. Thomas tried to battle back as Andrianna Johnson shot was blocked. A red card in the 78th minute left the Night Hawks playing man-down for the remainder of the game. Thomas best opportunity to tie the game came in the 79th minute as Johnson sent a shot towards the goal but Felicia Sedell made the save to secure the 1-0 win.
Keiser outshot Thomas 15-7 and the Seahawks took nine corner kick to Thomas’ six.
Hartley finished the game with seven saves, while Sedell made three.
Keiser earns the automatic bid to the NAIA women’s soccer national championships which begin next weekend. The official announcement of teams and seeding will be released on Monday.