Bisons win 1-0 in OT, advance to ASUN final
Lipscomb women’s soccer secured its place in the ASUN championship final, defeating Jacksonville University 1-0 on an early sudden-death goal in overtime at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
The dramatic victory came Sunday afternoon in the ASUN semifinal, ending more than 90 minutes of scoreless regulation play. Graduate midfielder Maddy Rhodes scored the game-winner in the 91st minute, assisted by Tatum Ahlemeyer, immediately ending the intense contest. Goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar earned the shutout, recording five crucial saves.
“That goal was a moment of pure determination, and it shows the character of this team,” said Lipscomb Head Coach Kevin O’Brien. “Overtime, let’s just keep doing what you’re doing, ’cause I thought the second half we were better, and then I thought, overtime, we obviously were able to get one.”
The victory did not come easily, as the Dolphins controlled the flow early in the match. The Bisons were forced to rely on their defensive unit to weather the first-half storm and find their footing.
“I think it’s not all me,” Cesar said about the shutout. “It’s also the team, like, seeing how each player’s won it on the field, kind of like, bringing us the energy to [defend] for each other.” Cesar admitted the first 20 minutes were “really scary” before her saves sparked a team response.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half and carried through to the decisive overtime goal. Rhodes, a sixth-year player, hammered the ball near the post after getting the touch from Ahlemeyer.
“I looked up and could not see her, so I decided to hammer the ball near the post and hope for the best, and the best happened,” Rhodes said. “It took some kind of deflection and went in.”
Junior midfielder Hailey Johnson reflected on the massive emotional swing. “Literally watching the ball go in the back of the net was like pure joy and just relief that we get to host the final.”
The Bisons will now host the ASUN championship final against the University of North Florida on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
