ST. CHARLES, MO. – Quincy University women's soccer entered the GLVC tournament for the first time since the 2017 season on Monday (April 19) night. The Hawks took advantage of the moment and captured an epic 1-0 double overtime win over the Lions.
The new look Hawks, who have been led by first year coach Samuel Thomas, took advantage of the opportunity, after being on the outside of the conference's top eight the last three seasons. After going (3-1-1) over the past five games, Quincy leaned on their back line against one of the conference's top offensive teams in a physical battle. Coach Thomas said after the game that he had a feeling that tonight would come down to a few key moments, and it did.
After the first 90 minutes both teams were locked even at zeros, but despite that, Quincy compiled sixteen shots compared to eight for the Lions. Neither side was able to break through and forced a golden goal overtime.
The first overtime saw one total shot that came on an exceptional Autry save. Fueled by the stop, that wave of energy carried over to the next overtime, where the Hawks created their biggest moment of the year.
In a COVID-19 season surrounded by adversity and not much celebration, as a first year coach Thomas says, "This win was more about the players and them seeing the results of their dedication."
The winning goal came on a scramble in the box as two Lindenwood players went for a loose ball, Evans came out with the ball and tucked it away perfectly in the far side post. "All second half, Evans had her touches in the box," but Thomas said his continuous message was "take one touch to set yourself, then finish". She did finish as the freshman came through for her team and got her first collegiate goal.
The head coach was also incredibly proud of his back defensive line in Britini Bailey, Madison Ledbetter, Paige Anderson, Hannah Warnecke, and Sydney Gorman for holding one of the best teams in the country scoreless. In the midfield, Thomas credited Lexi Porchia as being the anchor. Thomas said, "While battling through a knot she continued to dictate and control the ball which was the difference in the game." It was a complete effort from all angles that will help put Quincy back in the conversation again as one of the GLVC's best.
With the win, Quincy will now play in the conference semifinals against 8th-ranked McKendree University (12-2-1) on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. on the campus of Lindenwood. Earlier in the season, Quincy handed the Bearcats their first loss of the season in a 1-0 victory on March 7th. QU will play in their first GLVC semifinal since the 2017 season, when the program was runner-up and ironically, under the direction of Lindenwood head coach, Dave Musso.
Stat Leaders
Morgan Evans - Goal (1)
Emilee Autry - 5 saves
Hannah Warnecke - 3 SOG
