By Stan Caldwell
stanmansportsfan.com
Jamie Holifield didn’t get the start for William Carey University Wednesday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Tournament, but when she was called on, she responded.
Holifield scored the only goal of the game for the Lady Crusaders midway through the second half, as the Lady Crusaders defeated Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) 1-0 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, Ala.
The victory sends second-seeded William Carey (19-3-0) to the semifinal round against Southeastern (Fla.) at 3 p.m. Friday. Lindsey Wilson completed its season 13-4-2 after losing to the Lady Crusaders for the second time this season.
The two teams played an even first half, with each team getting two shots on-goal in the first 45 minutes, although the Blue Raiders had a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks.
But the Lady Crusaders turned that around in the second half, getting seven corners to three for the Blue Raiders, and most of Carey’s corner kicks came late in the game, as the Lady Saders were protecting their lead.
WCU earned that lead when Holifield, a senior forward from Petal, blasted a shot past LWC goalkeeper Jovana Ivanovic on a pass from senior Shantell Thompson at 66:54. It was Holifield’s 12th goal of the season and Thompson’s eighth assist.
Carey’s defense kept Lindsey Wilson in check for the most part after that, although keeper Abby Baravik had to make two key stops, one in the 74th minute and one in the 79th minute. Baravik, a senior from Laurel, earned her 12th shutout of the season.
The Lady Crusaders finished strong, dominating the last 10 minutes, getting three corners and three shots, two on-goal, while keeping the Blue Raiders from mustering any chances.
Sixth-seeded Southeastern (20-1-2) earned its spot in the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Midland (Neb.) in the final quarterfinal game of the day.
GAME SUMMARY
NAIA Soccer National Tournament
Quarterfinal Round
Wednesday at Orange Beach, Ala.
WOMEN
William Carey 1, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 0
LWC 0 0 – 0
WCU 0 1 – 1
LINDSEY WILSON (13-4-2): GK – Jovana Ivanovic, 6 saves. YC – Yvonne Ploeg, 54:55; Kim DeGroot, 87:45.
WILLIAM CAREY (19-3-0): Jamie Holifield (Shantel Thompson), 66:54. GK – Abby Baravik, 5 saves. YC – Kelsay Himel, 21:41; Kelly Stubbington, 70:55; April Stewart, 78:22.
