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Women's Soccer Wins the 2023 ODAC Championship Tournament
For the second time in three years, the Marlins are ODAC Champions
University News | November 6, 2023
The Virginia Wesleyan Women's Soccer (16-3-1, 9-0-1 ODAC) team defeated the Generals of Washington & Lee University (13-3-4, 7-1-2 ODAC) 1-0 in the ODAC championship game.
The 2023 ODAC All-Tournament Team:
Bridgewater: #9 Alicia Keo, #28 Katelyn Ceagraves
Lynchburg: #8 Meghan Lauder, #4 Haleigh Casey
Washington & Lee: #8 Sarah Zimmerman, #11 Sophie Berman, and #20 Mady Laudisi
Virginia Wesleyan: #33 Shyenne Diaz, #0 Rachel Quigley, and #32 Alexis Miller
Most Outstanding Player: #23 Sam Crawford
This is the Marlins' third ODAC Tournament Title in program history and their second in the last three years. With the win, the Marlins automatically qualify for the NCAA tournament, their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Virginia Wesleyan went undefeated in conference play this season with a 9-0-1 record and allowed one goal in conference play, and currently has the 13th-best defense in the nation, only allowing eight total goals this season.
How It Happened:
In the 6th minute, defender Sam Crawford took the first shot of the game for the Marlins. The shot was saved at the bottom left side by the Generals goalie.
In the 26th minute, a cross came into the penalty box around Alaina Alston and two Generals defenders. A Generals defender managed to get a head on the ball, and the ball bounced back towards Julia Marrone. Marrone then delivered a left-footed strike into the back of the net to give the Marlins a 1-0 lead.
The Generals' attack was keeping pace in the 1st half as they registered six shots, three of which were on goal. Rachel Quigley was up for the challenge and made key saves in the closing minutes of the first half for the Marlins.
In the 78th minute, the Marlins had a free kick outside the penalty box. Sam Crawford put forth a powerful shot toward the left side of the net that was met by a diving effort from the Generals goalkeeper Sydney Smith.
The Generals' attack didn't let up in the 2nd half, registering four shots on goal. The Marlin's defense never let up as Rachel Quigley recorded seven saves and got the Marlins a shutout in the ODAC Championship.
Read more about the 2023 Women’s Championships Soccer Team on VWU Athletics.