LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The fourth-seeded University of West Alabama women's soccer team advanced to the Gulf South Conference Semifinals after earning a 2-1 win over fifth-seeded Delta State in front of the home crowd Saturday evening at the UWA Soccer Field.
The Tigers improved to 11-3-3 overall and 7-3-2 in GSC play, while Delta State concluded its season at 7-6-4 (6-3-3 GSC).
West Alabama jumped ahead early in the 16th minute when Emily Callahan netted her third goal of the season off an assist from Selis Demirci, giving the Tigers a 1-0 advantage. UWA carried that lead into halftime despite a handful of opportunities for the Lady Statesmen, as goalkeeper Yumari Hernandez stopped the only shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
In the second half, UWA doubled its lead in the 50th minute after Demirci converted a penalty kick, marking her team-leading 12th goal of the season. Delta State responded late when Millie Congerton scored in the 79th minute to make it 2-1, but the Tigers' defense held firm the rest of the way to secure the win.
Hernandez finished with three saves on 16 Delta State shots, earning her 11th win of the season. Demirci led UWA's attack with a goal and an assist, while Callahan tallied two shots and a score.
The Tigers were outshot 16-8 but made the most of their chances, putting four shots on goal compared to Delta State's four.
With the victory, West Alabama moves on to the GSC Tournament Semifinals, where they will face the top-seeded West Florida Argonauts Thursday, November 13th at 3 PM from Huntsville, Ala.
