PULASKI, Tenn. – Third-seeded and No. 22-ranked 20261030070647-WSOCvsThomas2026SSAC.pdf UT Southern continued its postseason run on Friday evening, defeating sixth-seeded Thomas University 1-0 in the Southern States Athletic Conference Quarterfinals at Grissom Pitch. The victory sends the Firehawks to Montgomery, Alabama, for the SSAC Semifinals.
UT Southern dictated play throughout the evening, controlling possession and consistently creating chances in the attacking third. The Firehawks finished with a 15-9 advantage in total shots and placed nine efforts on target while limiting the Nighthawks to just five shots on goal.
The match's lone goal came in the 24th minute when Luella Cramer found the back of the net off an assist from Ellie Walker. Cramer's 11th goal of the season proved to be the difference as the Firehawks carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime.
UT Southern continued to press forward after the break, generating nine second-half shots and forcing the Thomas defense to withstand wave after wave of pressure. The Firehawks also held a 5-2 edge in corner kicks and never allowed the visitors to establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
The Firehawk back line once again delivered in a high-pressure postseason match. Goalkeeper Sam De Gier recorded five saves and secured her eighth shutout of the season, including several key stops in the closing minutes to preserve the one-goal advantage.
Cramer led UT Southern with four shots and the match-winning goal, while Courtney Hicks added four shot attempts of her own. Walker's assist marked her team-leading ninth helper of the season and set up the decisive score.
With the win, the Firehawks improve to 15-3-1 on the season and advance to the SSAC Semifinals for the second consecutive year. Awaiting UT Southern is second-seeded and No. 21-ranked Life University at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex in Montgomery, Alabama. The matchup will be a rematch of the regular-season finale in Marietta, where the Runnin' Eagles earned a 2-0 victory over the Firehawks. UT Southern will now look for postseason revenge and a spot in the SSAC Championship match.
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