MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Saint Leo redshirt freshman Katie Waddell knocked home the game-winning goal to lift the sixth-seeded Lions to a 1-0 win over third-seeded North Alabama, in Friday's South Region First Round matchup hosted by Barry University in the 2014 NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship.
The win was Saint Leo's first in six tries in NCAA tournament action, giving the Lions a 1-4-1 record in NCAA competition.
Waddell capitalized in the 53rd minute with the game's only goal on a header off a free kick from 50 yards out by sophomore back Selena Jaimes.
"We ended up pinging a long ball into the box, and one of our smallest players – Waddell – ends up getting a body part on it somewhere and it goes into the back of the net."
Saint Leo outshot North Alabama, 22-12, but it didn't look like it would end up that way through the first 15 minutes of the game.
UNA came out and pressed Saint Leo hard offensively right out of the gate, taking advantage of a Lions defensive squad that was slow to get organized and recover on some long through balls served up by North Alabama.
UNA recorded four shots and a corner kick against the Lions in the first 10 minutes of the game. Three of North Alabama's shots were charted by junior Chloe Richards, who entered the game as the leading scorer in all of the Division II.
Saint Leo survived North Alabama's initial rush in the opening 15 minutes, and began to regain its footing on defense and in the midfield. The Lions allowed just seven shots by UNA over the remaining 75 minutes of play, including a mere four more in the opening half.
The Lions recorded four corner kicks to North Alabama's two. Saint Leo keeper Laura Carstens finished the game with just one save, while North Alabama's Rachel Beninati was credited with six saves.
Saint Leo improved to 13-5-0 with the win, while North Alabama saw its season end with a 14-4-1 mark.
Friday's milestone victory sends the Lions into Sunday's Second Round game against host Barry (11-1-3). Game time at Buccaneer Field is slated for 1:00 p.m.
"We've got a really great and unique and special group, and they don't seem to be too concerned about the past or they're not overwhelmed with any environments or situations or anything like that. They're going out to win game by game by game," said O'Connor. "They'll celebrate tonight… and I'm pretty sure when we come back tomorrow morning they'll be thinking about Barry."
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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