Playing in its first NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament game since 2009, UNCW used goals by senior forward Katrina Guillou and junior defender Lauren Nalevaiko to earn its first-ever NCAA Tournament win with a 2-0 victory over South Carolina at Stone Stadium on Friday night.
The Seahawks, who earned an at-large berth into the 64-team field, improve to 15-6-1 on the season after earning their first-ever victory over the Gamecocks. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s season ends with a 12-5-3 record.
With the win, UNCW advances to the second round to play Virginia on Friday, Nov. 20. The Cavaliers, who earned a victory over the Seahawks in August, posted a 7-1 victory in their tournament opener against Howard on Friday night.
Guillou gave UNCW an early 1-0 lead in the 12th minute when she took a through pass from senior forward Maddie McCormick and scored on an eight-yard shot for her 11th goal of the season.
UNCW held the advantage until the 85th minute when Nalevaiko headed in a rebound of a Guillou shot for her first goal of the season, upping the margin to 2-0.
Led by junior goalkeeper Carolyn Huddy, who made three saves, the Seahawks earned their 10th shutout of the season after limiting the Gamecocks to just three shots on goal.
