Women's Soccer Sewanee Athletic Communications

Shirak and Yappen net first career goals as Tigers advance to SAA Semifinals

SEWANEE, Tenn. – Ariana Shirak and Cassis Yappen posted their first collegiate goals in the Quarterfinals of the SAA Women's soccer tournament on Thursday afternoon, as the Tigers defeated Southwestern, 2-0, in Memphis, Tenn. 

The Tigers dominated possession and controlled the play of the game for the majority of the match, outshooting the Pirates, 18-3, forcing eight saves from Southwestern's keepers, and also hitting the post. Sewanee also recorded 10 corners, two in the first half and eight in the second, as Sewanee's defense gave up no corners. 

Josie Alexander and Rivers Carney nearly connected for a goal in the 34th minute, but Carney's shot hit the inside of the far post, and Searfoss collected the rebound, keeping the game scoreless. 

In the first minute of the second half, Morgan Cheynet had a dangerous opportunity, finding the ball off a cross in the box, and what looked like an open net, but EJ Searfoss, in goal for Southwestern, made the save. 

However, just 10 minutes later, Kylene Monaghan stole the ball in Southwestern's defensive third and made her way into the box. Shirak collected the ball from Monaghan and sent the ball behind two defenders and into the left corner of the net for her first career goal and the game-winning goal in the 54th minute. 

Sewanee added an insurance goal 12 minutes later, again starting from Monaghan, who drew a foul about 15 yards from midfield. Stella Martin connected short with Kristina Wilkerson on the free kick, who crossed the ball into the box and found Yappen in front of the goal, who tipped the ball past the keeper for her first goal in the 68th minute. 

Searfoss and Caylin Damron combined for eight saves on the match, while Avery Kievit, in goal for the Tigers, posted three saves for her third career shutout. 

Sewanee will face the No.2-seeded Rhodes College in the Semifinals tomorrow, Nov. 7th, set for a 2 PM CT kickoff.