LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- The No. 2 West seeded Covenant women's soccer team earned its 11th shutout of the season and used a second half goal from Mae Pierce to defeat No. 3 East seed Meredith, 1-0, in the quarterfinals of the USA South Tournament on Saturday.
Foggy and rainy conditions led the match to change venues from Scotland Yard to Shadowlands Field.
The conference foes remained competitive and scoreless in the first period, with each team only getting off three shots apiece.
It would be all Scots in the second half, though, as the hosts would record 13 shots with eight being on goal.
Covenant's first major scoring opportunity came with a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. USA South Player of the Year honoree Kailey Burrell would take the shot, but miss just high over the crossbar.
The Scots refused to give up, though, and it would quickly pay off.
In the 60th minute, Burrell was able to get a pass across to a slicing Pierce, who chipped it in from short range giving the Scots a 1-0 lead. It was the freshman's fourth goal of the season and Burrell's fourth helper of the season.
From there, the Scots' defense only allowed Meredith three shots, shutting down the Avenging Angels and sealing a 1-0 tournament victory.
It will be Covenant's fifth trip to the USA South Tournament semifinals in eight appearances for the program since joining the league in 2013.
Covenant outshot Meredith 16-6 overall, with 11 shots on goal. Pierce had four shots, with three shots on goal and the ultimate game-winning goal. Burrell had three shots and one assist. Aiden Strawbridge tallied four shots, while Rachel Wall added three
Lucy Sandhoff played all 90 minutes in the goal for the Scots, earning two saves, to notch the shutout.
Meredith Warrick led the Avenging Angels with four shots, while Claire-Emma Britt had two. Miranda Lutz played the entirety of the match in the goal for Meredith, recording 10 saves.
UP NEXT
Covenant will travel to No. 1 East seed Methodist in the USA South Tournament semifinals on Friday, Nov. 5. Game time is TBA.
CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS
Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information.
