FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University women's soccer team sent off their 12 final-year players in style, defeating No. 16 Rollins in overtime on Senior Night Saturday 2-1, and the squad tied the program record for consecutive wins in the process.
The Sharks (11-2-0, 4-1-0 SSC) and Tars (9-4-0, 4-3-0 SSC) battled to a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes of regulation, but just over five minutes into extra time,
Sierra Lelii (R-Sr., Seminole, Fla.) set up the golden goal. She outraced two Tar defenders, gathered it near the end line, and passed it right side to a streaking
Emily Stearns (Fr., Orlando, Fla.). The rookie was able to overextend and just get her right foot on it to send the 504 Shark fans home happy.
The eighth straight victory ties the 2006 team for most in women's history, and also ties the record for most wins in a season in the NCAA era ('06 and '07).
The two teams had battled to a scoreless draw in the first half, with the home team outshooting their opposition 9-5. The scoreboard was finally dented in the 56th minute on an opportunity created by Shark backline defender
Bailey Corbin (So., Lampeter, Pa.).
Corbin sent it nearly three-quarters field over the top, and Lelii outraced two defenders to corral it. She then beat the Tars' goalkeeper, Carly Stevens, on a 1-on-1 breakaway for her 17th goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.
Rollins equalized with just over 17 minutes left, when Kat Weiss capitalized on a Shark turnover to feed Nikki Haimes wide open in front of the net, left side. With the game knotted up, both teams stayed aggressive for the remainder of regulation, but it stayed a 1-1 match through those 90 minutes. At that point, NSU led shots attempted, 16-11, and doubled up the Tars 8-4 in shots on target.
Lelii had the goal and game-winning assist, and now has the single-season women's point record with 37. She had seven of the team's 17 shots on Saturday, four on goal. Kopale had three saves and improved her record to 6-1.
The Sharks will face their second ranked opponent in a row this upcoming Wednesday in No. 7 Barry (with another poll to be released the day prior). Game time for the road match in Miami Shores will be 7 p.m.
