Freshman Abby Zimmerman scored a pair of goals to lead the University of Mary Washington women's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over St. Mary's College in the semifinal round of the 2018 Capital Athletic Conference Tournament on Wednesday at the Battleground. The Eagles improve to 12-3-1 on the season, and will advance to the CAC Championship on Saturday.
Zimmerman opened the scoring with the only tally of the opening half, scoring on an assist from freshman Lindsey Hendrickson at 26:32. Hendrickson took the ball to the endline and slid across the mouth of the goal to Zimmerman, who was a step ahead of her defender and slid the ball into the open net.
In the second half, St. Mary's evened the score at 51:51 on a score from Alex Moody, but less than two minutes later, Zimmerman scored again, on a pass from senior Katie Rauch, at 53:50. Rauch lofted a pass from deep to a streaking Zimmerman, who was able to reach the ball before the Seahawk keeper, and redirect the ball into the net.
The Eagles gained an insurance tally at 70:51, which would prove pivotal. Junior Corinne Carson scored on an Alexia Inge assist from the right sideline, giving the Eagles a 3-1 advantage. St. Mary's answered with a goal from Madison Webb with 29 seconds left, but the Eagles held on in the waning secoonds.
The Eagles led in shots, 15-7, and shots on goal, 7-3. Senior goalkeeper Kelcie Macomber made one stop for the Eagles, while Katie Flores had four saves for St. Mary's.
Mary Washington will advance to the CAC Championship on Saturday - their 18th appearance in the title match in the 29-year history of the league. The Eagles will face the winner of Wednesday evening's Christopher Newport/Salisbury match for the title at a time and location to be determined. UMW is seeking its 14th league title.