Brevard, N.C. – On a cool afternoon in North Carolina, the Southern Virginia University women's soccer team battled through an intense, high-octane USA South Championship match before falling in penalty kicks to undefeated Brevard College, 5-4, after a 0-0 draw through regulation and two overtimes despite a great effort from the whole team. 

The opening half was filled with offensive pressure from the Knights, who held a 12-3 advantage in shots and put five on frame. Despite strong looks from Delin Peterson, Courtney Montes, Ashley Hamblin, and Natalie Blaser, four key saves from the Tornadoes' keeper kept the match scoreless heading into halftime.

Southern Virginia continued to control possession in the second half, opening with multiple shots and a corner kick to test Brevard's defense. The Knights' relentless attack led to an 18-6 shot advantage and a 3-1 edge in corners through regulation, but the Tornadoes' goalkeeper stood firm, recording seven total saves to force overtime.

The Knights pressed on in the extra periods, outshooting Brevard 2-1 in the first overtime and opening the second with another corner kick. Addison Newman looked to break the stalemate, but her redirected attempt was deflected for another corner before the Brevard keeper leapt to make a crucial grab. Despite a 24-9 final shot differential, neither side could find the back of the net, sending the match to penalty kicks.

In the shootout, Hailey Gadd put the Knights ahead 1-0 with a precise strike to the bottom right, but Brevard quickly evened it. Abbie Simister converted the next kick, and after a Southern Virginia save from Ruth Sumner, Xoie Warner buried her shot to retake the lead. However, Brevard responded with back-to-back goals, clinching the shootout 5-4 and the conference title.

Four Knights were named to the 2025 USA South All-Tournament Team:

F – Delin Peterson

F – Xoie Warner

M – McKenna Currey

D – Sydney Bastian

Southern Virginia closes its season at 12-6-2 overall (8-1 USA South), The Knight's season was filled with milestones and record-setting performances from both veteran leaders and emerging underclassmen, as the Knights continued to establish themsevles in the USA South Athletic Conference. 

For more updates and details on the women's soccer team, follow @knight_wsoc on Instagram and visit knightathletics.com.