(Greensboro, N.C.) – The Piedmont College women’s soccer team defeated Maryville College 1-0 on Saturday to claim its third USA South Athletic Conference Championship in four years.
With the win, the Lady Lions have won four conference championships since joining the league in 2012. In just his second season as Piedmont head coach, Timmy McCormack improves to 33-4-5 and adds a conference tournament championship to go along with the 2017 conference regular season championship.
Piedmont freshman and tournament MVP Allie Kuzel scored the game-winner in the 35th minute of the first half.
Gabby Lotter was able to possess an Abby Cox pass on the left side of the field and found Kuzel who was streaking into the Scots’ 18-yard box. A Maryville defender tried to clear the ball but Kuzel used her strength to keep possession and beat the keeper for the early goal.
The Lady Lions (17-4-1) closed out the first half leading 9-2 in shots and placed five shots on goal.
Piedmont continued to hold strong in the second half and once again limited Maryville (13-6-0) to two shots.
With close to 10 minutes left in the game, desperation started to creep in on the Maryville sideline as Piedmont played keep away and prevented the Scots from taking any chances.
Cassie Kirk, Natalie Munoz, Kuzel, Katelyn Smith And Miranda Mcnalley were named to the All-Tournament team following the game.
During the regular season, Kuzel was held scoreless before scoring twice in the tournament.
Piedmont will learn its NCAA tournament destination on Monday as the NCAA hosts its selection show.
