In a rematch of the 2023 SLIAC Women's Soccer Championship game, Spalding University ended the night in similar fashion, advancing over host Greenville University. While the 2023 meeting ended in overtime, Saturday's rematch saw the two teams remain scoreless into penalty kicks. From there it was Spalding getting the edge 6-5.
Greenville's defense slowed down Spalding and controlled the majority ball possession in the opening 45-minutes. Greenville out shot Spalding 6-2 in the half but were unable to get anything past Golden Eagle keeper Sophie Young-Neawedde.
Spalding started the second-half with more focus, turning the tables and out shooting the Panthers 5-2. However Greenville keeper Madison Ashford matched her counterpart, stopping both shots she faced in the half.
Spalding attempted to work the right side of the field with long runs from Taylor Touche, but was constantly stopped by the Panther defense. The Greenville attack had several chances off set pieces, out shooting Spalding 4-1 in the overtime periods but never found the net.
Spalding was up first in the penalty kick rotation with all six shooters making their attempts. Greenville kept the pressure up, hitting on the first five attempts. It was not until the sixth round when Golden Eagle Young-Neawedde was able to pick the correct corner, diving to her right and stopping the attempt.
The championship is the second in program history for Spalding and they now await the announcement of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament field on Monday.