Bisons end season in NCAA second round with 1-0 loss to No. 3 Florida State
The Lipscomb women’s soccer team’s historic season concluded Thursday afternoon with a 1-0 defeat to the No. 3-seeded Florida State University in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Shaw Field in Washington, D.C.
The lone goal of the tight contest game came in the 23rd minute from Florida State’s senior defender Heather Gilchrist, who scored into the top left corner of the net, assisted by sophomore midfielder Taylor Suarez. Lipscomb goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar recorded five critical saves in the defensive battle.
Head Coach Kevin O’Brien’s team finished the season as back-to-back ASUN champions and recorded the program’s second-ever NCAA tournament victory, a run defined by heart and defensive resilience throughout the match, facing a constant barrage of shots.
The statistics highlight the extreme pressure faced by the Lady Bisons. Florida State outshot Lipscomb 20-4 for the game, forcing Cesar to step up with five saves.
Despite the pressure, Lipscomb’s defensive shape held strong for the majority of the match. The Lady Bisons allowed only one goal against one of the nation’s top offenses, showcasing the same competitive spirit that led to their upset over No. 6 Mississippi State in the first round.
The loss marks the end of the season for the Lady Bisons, capping a successful run that saw the team claim consecutive conference championships and advance for the second time in program history.
Featured image courtesy of Lipscomb athletics.
