JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman (7-6-3, 5-4-2) begins postseason play in the South Atlantic Conference Quarterfinals as it travels to take on four-seeded Anderson (8-6-2, 6-3-2) on Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m.
The Eagles earn the number five seed in the conference tournament after finishing league play with a 5-4-2 mark, good for 17 points. The opponent is Anderson, a group that finished with a 6-3-2 mark in the SAC, three points ahead of C-N.
After losing seven straight to Carson-Newman, AU has had the Eagles number the past two matches, recording a pair of one goal victories. These two squads were battling for more than 76 minutes until AU's Kylie Swanson broke the scoreless tie in the 76th minute with a goal off a corner kick to give the Trojans the lead and the win. C-N outshot Anderson, but the difference was the accuracy that the Trojans displayed on offense. 11 of the 15 shots were on goal compared to C-N's 4 of 17 on frame.
Unlike last season, Carson-Newman will enter postseason play with a win but will also travel in the quarterfinals. Last year, C-N tied Tusculum to end the year and then fell 3-1 to Wingate three days later.
This year is different, in large part because of the momentum that was built in the second half of Wednesday's 3-2 win versus Tusculum. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Carson-Newman stormed back scoring three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half to take down Tusculum in the regular season finale. The two-goal comeback is the biggest comeback in more than 15 years.
The loser of this match may also see their season come to an end. In the second batch of Southeast Region rankings released by the NCAA, Anderson is listed as an eight seed and Carson-Newman is a ten seed. The winner of tomorrow's match could help solidify a better resume toward making an NCAA tournament appearance.
After losing three straight matches to end October, Anderson was able to win its regular season finale to head into postseason play a winning streak. Prior to that three-game skid, the Trojans had won five of six games during a six-match unbeaten streak.
Anderson earned the number four seed with a 6-3-2 record in SAC matches. All three conference losses were to the two three teams in the SAC, Lenoir-Rhyne, Catawba and Wingate.
The Trojans present a challenging offensive unit because of the balance it has displayed on offense throughout the regular season. Kaitlyn Gregory and Leanna Guion each have a team-high four goals to pace the AU attack. 12 others have scored this season, with seven of them scoring multiple times. Gregory and Camryn Woods each have a team-high four assists as well.
GK Victoria McGovern has 60 saves in 16 matches this season. She has four shutouts this season and has allowed more than a goal per match. AU has allowed a goal in four straight games.
The Trojans will be eyeing their first win in the conference tournament since 2017. Hosting as a four seed last year, AU fell 2-0 to Limestone.
The winner of tomorrow's match will face either #1 Lenoir-Rhyne or #8 Mars Hill.
C-N and AU will kick off at 5:00 p.m. The game can be streamed on FloSports with a subscription. Fans can also follow along to @CN_Eagles on Twitter and Instagram for in-game updates.
