LEBANON, Tenn. – Jessie Bryson and
Sangmin Cha pushed Campbellsville into the Mid-South Conference Semifinals this afternoon. Campbellsville traveled down to Tennessee and defeated #14 Cumberland University.
Cumberland would start off fast with a prime opportunity in the second minute off a Campbellsville miscue. The freshman
Rirei Sasaki stood strong making an early difference. The next 15 minutes would see both teams trading opportunities and picking out different ways to attack the back line. Campbellsville created some havoc out of a free kick near the corner location.
Angeline Kieh had a cross that would bounce around after a couple of shots and find the head of Bryson. She put the Tigers up 1-0 off the assist from
Lauren Woodcock.
Both clubs from that point on would amp up the intensity with attacking possessions. Both keepers would continue to be outstanding with the help of some defensive blocks. The half came to an end and the stats showed two even teams, separated by the Bryson goal. Campbellsville fired seven shots, placing three on frame. Sasaki would end the half with two saves. The first 45 minutes saw 14 fouls combined.
In the 54
th minute of play, #14 Cumberland U would equalize with the backline of Campbellsville being out of position.
Campbellsville did not let that goal hold them back. The Tigers went on the attack and a minute later would force a corner. Cha would take the corner and the ball got played back to her 30 yards out. Cha would rip a shot curling into the upper right-hand corner for the go-ahead.
The Phoenix minutes later would counter with a prime opportunity. In the 61
st minute, this action would take place and Cumberland would find the net. Looking down the line, you would see the flag raised for the goal to be disallowed for offsides. The Phoenix would continue to test the midfield and backline with runs and pushes into the corner. The 73
rd minute rolled around and Sasaki would make another tremendous save off the head of the opposition.
Kieh would put
Bethin Boyle in a prime spot in the 79
thminute and she delivered. This gave Campbellsville the 3-1 lead and momentum to try and close out the last 10 minutes of the game.
Straight from the kickoff, Cumberland came out flying with an opportunity. A shot would ricochet off the crossbar and be rebounded in the back of the net. With the final nine minutes of play, Campbellsville would play keep away and deliver the dagger. Kieh would set up
Rebecca Lilley this time for the 87
th minute goal.
Campbellsville ran out the clock and knocked off #14 Cumberland U on the road. CU will now wait the winner of University of the Cumberlands and Shawnee State. This semifinal matchup will take place on November 9
th.
