The first time the two teams faced off this season, the Eagles jumped out for an early lead, holding it for most of the competition. But a late rally by the Golden Tigers sent the event into double overtime where Brenau was able to punch in the winning goal handing the birds their third conference loss of the season.
Since then, the Eagles have gone undefeated in the SSAC securing third place in the final conference standings and earning home field advantage for the opening round rematch.
Today's event was well balanced with both teams producing similar numbers on offense. Faulkner finished the game with 19 shots, 11 of which were on goal. Brenau took 18 shots with 10 on frame.
Faulkner's Samantha Ruddick and Jennifer Parrott were the difference makers, however. After a scoreless first half the Eagles were able to orchestrate a handful of threatening runs. Parrott fed the ball to Ruddick on the game's first scoring drive. Brenau's diving keeper, Lisa Lesnick, halted Ruddick's first shot, but the sophomore rebounded the blocked ball making good on her second strike.
With only a handful of minutes left in regulation the Eagles broke free one last time. Faulkner quickly shifted the ball to the middle of the field and a well-placed pass from Shirley DeArmas gave Parrott the one on one with Lesnick for the score.
Faulkner's Lisa Gallea had 10 saves in the win.
The Eagles will move into the semi finals of the SSAC tournament for the first time in program history. The shutout was the team's seventh of the season, also a program best.
The 11-6 Eagles will take on No. 16 Auburn Montgomery in the second round contest on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with a start time that has yet to be determined. The Eagles upset the Senators 4-2 earlier this year, but if today's match proves anything it's that the regular season is over and its anyone's game.
