JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. --- The No. 7 Carson-Newman College women's soccer team defeated Tusculum College 1-0 on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament at McCown Field, scoring the match's lone goal early in the first half and surviving a furious rally by the Pioneers to advance to next week's Southeast Region Final.

Carson-Newman (19-2-1) edged the Pioneers 7-4 in shots in the first half while Tusculum (15-5-3) posted a 13-10 margin in the final 45 minutes to even the match's shot total at 17-17. Eagle keeper Lauren MacKenzie made six saves to record her ninth shutout of the season, while Tusculum net minder Marjaana Kaaresvirta stopped eight attempts on frame for the Pioneers.

The Eagles scored the match's lone goal in the opening moments of the 18th minute when Sandra Kaelin took a cross from Trenna Howell, and delivered the deciding strike into the bottom corner to give C-N an early 1-0 advantage. Tusculum mounted a furious rally in the second half, sending numerous attempts on frame forcing MacKenzie to make several spectacular saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Carson-Newman now awaits the NCAA's announcement of next week's Sweet 16 pairs as the Eagles advance to the third round the NCAA Tournament to take on Columbus State University. Tusculum ends its magical postseason run at 15-5-3, and is expected to return 21 letter-winners as well as eight of its top 10 scorers next season.

- TC -