For the third consecutive year, the Lipscomb women’s soccer team will play Florida Gulf Coast for the ASUN title. Unlike the previous two meetings, the 2017 edition of the championship game will be played in Nashville.
The Bisons used an early goal from Justis Bailey to defeat Kennesaw State 1-0 at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex on Friday, setting up a chance for revenge against the Eagles on Sunday.
“It was a competitive tournament game,” Lipscomb coach Kevin O’Brien said. “You could feel the tension, the emotion and the passion – it was all on display. It was incredible.”
Bailey’s goal came in the 11th minute, when the junior defender received a pass from Natalie Duboise and headed the ball into the top right corner of the net. The tally was Bailey’s first of her career.
“I’ll be honest with you – I’m completely shocked that’s her first one,” O’Brien said of Bailey’s goal. “She’s very good in the air and (the goal) came at the perfect time. She’s been a great player for us this year, and she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.”
Lipscomb had numerous scoring chances in the second half but was unable to cash in on any of its opportunities for an insurance goal.
Senior Ellen Lundy opened the second half with a header off the post, and later sophomore Jordan Walsh sent a shot just over the crossbar.
Lipscomb forward Olivia Doak found the back of the net with 20 minutes remaining, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul.
“A second goal could have taken the steam out of the game, but we weren’t able to get it,” O’Brien said. “(Kennesaw State) defended valiantly, and it was a battle until the final whistle.”
Nearly 400 people attended the match – the most fan support Lipscomb has received this season.
“It’s great to play at home,” O’Brien said. “I don’t know if we’ve ever had a crowd this big. The support was phenomenal, and I really encourage everyone to come out on Sunday, too.”
FGCU defeated Jacksonville by a score of 2-0 earlier in the day to set up Sunday’s title rematch. The Eagles downed the Bisons 5-0 in the 2015 title game, before handing Lipscomb a 2-0 defeat in the 2016 final.
FGCU is looking for its fourth-straight ASUN championship, while the Bisons are hoping to advance to their first-ever NCAA tournament.
“We’re going to compete with the same passion we did tonight and let the chips fall where they may,” O’Brien said. “Every time we play (FGCU), it’s difficult. They’ve got a talented team, but so do we. I think it’s going to be a wonderful final.”
Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex. Admission is $7 for adults, while students and children under 12 will be admitted for free.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics