FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern scored twice within the final five minutes of the first half before cruising to an eventual 3-0 win over Rollins in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinals on Thursday.
Jemma House collected a pair of goals, while freshman
Brianna Paige tallied the first of her career, as the Sharks now advance to their second SSC final in three years.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 3, Rollins 0
Records: Nova Southeastern (13-5-1), Rollins (9-3-5)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Both sides started slow offensively, with the first shot not coming until the 14:47 mark of the first half.
- Nova Southeastern produced the first quality scoring chance in the 21st minute when Adanna Edwards found Hannah Christophe unmarked on the far post. However, the volley attempt off the right foot of Christophe would sail high and out of play.
- Still scoreless in the 41st minute, House forced the action on the offensive end for the Sharks by making a long run from midfield into the 18-yard box. A Rollins defender blocked the senior's initial shot attempt, yet House was able to settle the rebound and bury her seventh goal of the season into the left side of the net.
- With only 33 ticks on the clock before intermission, Nova Southeastern threatened again after a foul on the right wing awarded the Sharks a free kick. A lofted ball served in by Emma Heikkila settled at the feet of Paige, whose low shot just slipped past the outstretched arms of Tars' keeper Kelly Rowswell, giving the Sharks total control entering halftime.
- Rollins instantly pressed forward at the beginning of the second half. Still, the Tars managed just one shot on frame throughout the first 28:55.
- Rather than pack it in defensively, the Sharks continued to counter and found an opening on the right side in the 60th minute when Edwards raced past the Nova Southeastern bench before dropping a pass off to Christophe. After dribbling towards the corner, Christophe played in a well-timed cross to House, who flicked a header to the far post to extend the lead to 3-0.
- Nova Southeastern keeper Natalie Robayna would add three more saves down the stretch to preserve the shutout.
UP NEXT:
Nova Southeastern will get its third crack at Barry this season when both teams meet in the final this Sunday at 1 p.m. The Sharks and Buccaneers tied 1-1 in their most recent matchup back on Oct. 3. For complete coverage of the action, visit the
schedule page on NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.
