NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 1, Maryville 0
Records: Piedmont, 9-6-1; Maryville, 12-1

MARYVILLE, Tenn. - KAYLEE KING's 62nd minute free kick goal proved to be decisive as the third-seeded Piedmont women's soccer team stunned No. 1 seed Maryville and took home the USA South West Division Championship Friday night.

The sophomore curled a beautiful shot into the corner of the net off a free kick from around 35 yards out, marking the second consecutive game winner for Piedmont off a free kick from that distance.



With a 1-0 lead and 29 minutes left to play, Piedmont held off a furious Maryville rally thanks to a season-best six saves from senior goalkeeeper MIRANDA MCNALLEY.

The loss ends Maryville's quest for a perfect season and marks the second time in the past three seasons in which the Lady Lions have taken a championship from the Scots in a 1-0 win.

The first half was back-and-forth and evenly played with Maryville holding a 6-5 edge in total shots and each side earning a corner kick apiece.

Then, in a game where one goal proved to be all it took, King took advantage of a free kick opportunity and the left-footed forward delivered an outstanding strike that curled past Maryville goalkeeper Abbey Coleman and ended up as the championship winner.

However, the Lady Lions' work was not done, as they had to hold off the highest scoring offense in all of NCAA Division III for nearly 30 minutes.

That is where McNalley and the Piedmont defense came through, holding the Scots scoreless and taking home the title.



With the West Division Championship being the highest title achievable within the USA South this season, the Lady Lions have now taken home the highest USA South honor in four of the past six seasons.

TURNING POINT:
- King's free kick proved to be all that Piedmont needed in taking the USA South West Division Championship on the road.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- King's goal marked her team-leading sixth of the season and her second game winner.
- McNalley's six saves marked a season high for the senior from Atlanta.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- In just his fourth season at the helm, head coach Timmy McCormack has delivered an undefeated season (2017), a USA South Championship (2018) and a USA South West Division Championship (2021)
- Piedmont's win at Maryville marks just the second time in program history the Lady Lions have won on the road against the Scots.
- All seven of Piedmont's wins this season against USA South opponents came in shutout fashion.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.