NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Belhaven 1, Piedmont 0
Records: Piedmont, 15-5-1; Belhaven, 13-4-3

JACKSON, Miss. - Despite a valiant effort, Piedmont women's soccer fell just short in a 1-0 Tuesday night loss to Belhaven in the CCS Tournament Semifinals in Jackson, Mississippi.

The Lions delivered a stout defensive effort against the high-powered Blazers attack. However, Belhaven was finally able to break through in the late stages, scoring in the 74th minute.

This marks the second consecutive season in which the Lions have fallen to the Blazers in the CCS Tournament Semifinals.

While Belhaven held a 7-1 shot advantage in the opening half, the Lions closed the gap in the second half, allowing only three total shots. Unfortunately, one of them found the back of the net, off a perfectly placed cross from Melanie Echols that was headed home to the far post by Kinsey Carter.

The Lions were unable to come away with the equalizer in the final 15 minutes of action.

CCS Goalkeeper of the Year Maggie Leger earned the start in goal for the Lions and made five saves in the first 45 minutes. 

Down the stretch, with the Blazers looking to add on to their lead with a penalty kick, senior Hannah Thompson was up to the task, with a save to keep the Lions within striking distance.

The loss concludes Piedmont's season with a 15-5-1 record. The team's 15 victories mark the first time it has won 15 or more games since winning 17 in the 2018 season.

TURNING POINT:
- The long cross that the Blazers headed home in the 75th minute proved to be the difference.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Leger made five saves in goal in the first half to keep the contest scoreless.
- Thompson saved a penalty kick in the late stages to keep the Lions in the game.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on X @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.