HICKORY, N.C - Newberry women's soccer dropped a 3-0 decision in the opening round of the South Atlantic Conference Championship against first-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday night at Bears Field. The Wolves battled, playing standout defense throughout the ninety minutes but fell short as the Bears found success in set pieces. The Scarlett and the Gray finish the year 7-7-3 while the Bears advance to the next round with an overall record of 15-2.

The action was set early as the Bears earned a Penalty kick in the first minute of play. It was none other than Jayleen Gant who made another clutch save for the Wolves. The junior keeper has had over three games with 10 or more saves, holding the Wolves together in crucial moments. Gant went on to finish the match with a career-high of 13 saves, denying Lenoir-Rhyne from slipping one in and gifting the Wolves momentum. The Poway, California native finishes the season with a remarkable 90 saves.

Lenoir-Rhyne was able to find most of their success during set pieces. The Bears cracked the scoreboard just five minutes into the game, curling a corner kick in past the Wolves defensive unit and keeper. Aqsa Mushtaq used her left foot to her advantage throughout play, giving the Wolves trouble as she curved most of her corners into the near post. 

Although the rest of the half would primarily be played on Newberry's defensive half the Wolves did not give up after the set piece mishap, battling to every 50-50 ball demonstrating they came out to play. The Bears were able to get off 19 shots in the first half but could not find the back of the net.

The Wolves increased the tempo in the second half, fighting to maintain possession in the midfield in order to generate offense. The Bears earned a set piece in the 54th minute mark that would lead to the second goal of the match. Judith Verdaguer tapped a loose ball to Hannah Van Eerden after a great save from Gant, who then pushed in the ball into the back of the net. The Bears scored another rebound goal in the 70th minute, as Van Eerden tapped in her second goal of the game. 

The Wolves did not go away quietly, however. Newberry took three of their eight shots late in the game in attempts to get on by the Bears. Junior midfielder Jacqueline Aldrete and sophomore Salley Slice pressured the back line, leading to a few offensive opportunities late in the game. 

Junior captain Emma Harms gave the Wolves a spark late in the game, driving the ball up the left flank after regaining possession on defense. Harms showed relentless effort as she would poke the ball away in the Wolves defensive half just to drive up the field, producing some offensive interchange. Harms finished her season with three goals as an outside back, helping Newberry both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. 

The Bears out-shot Newberry by a 38-6 margin overall and a 16-3 difference in shots on goal. Lenoir Rhyne had eight corner kicks in the game while the Wolves could not earn one. 

The Wolves graduate three seniors, forward Daphne Heyaime, forward Taylor Hiatt and defender Katelyn Spaid.