SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's soccer team advanced to the Crossroads League Tournament Semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Huntington University on Tuesday night at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Isa Martinez scored in the 23rd minute, and the No. 5-ranked Cougars limited Huntington to three shots to secure their third consecutive shutout.
Spring Arbor, the tournament's No. 2 seed, improved to 14-2-2 overall and extended its unbeaten streak to nine matches. Huntington entered as the No. 7 seed.
Martinez delivered the deciding goal at the 22:36 mark off an assist from
Gracie Beld. The goal was Martinez's fourth of the season and third game-winner, while Beld collected her fourth assist.
The Cougars controlled the opening half, holding an 8-0 advantage in shots and earning four corner kicks. Huntington goalkeeper Macie Sanders made two saves before halftime to keep the margin at one.
SAU's defense protected that lead throughout the second half.
Mia Warner stopped Huntington's only shot on goal in the 51st minute, while the Foresters' final two attempts sailed high.
Kailey Walcott played the opening 45 minutes before
Mia Warner took over after halftime, combining for Spring Arbor's 14th shutout of the season, which is tied for the most in the NAIA. The Cougars have recorded eight shutouts during their current nine-match unbeaten run.
Spring Arbor finished with a 13-3 advantage in shots, including a 5-1 edge in shots on goal, and earned all six corner kicks. Martinez and
Karly Miller each attempted three shots, while
Tessa Ponstein and
Kayla Baar added two apiece.
The Cougars will host No. 3-seeded Indiana Wesleyan University in the tournament semifinals Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. The Wildcats are also ranked No. 3 nationally.
