Florida State Women’s Soccer Advances in NCAA Tournament with Narrow Victory

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The No. 3-seeded Florida State soccer team defeated Lipscomb 1-0 in the NCAA Tournament Second Round on Thursday afternoon at Shaw Field. This win propels FSU into the Third Round for the 22nd time in program history.

Florida State, which now has an all-time NCAA tournament record of 85-19-6, improved to 22-2-1 in the Second Round with this victory. The Seminoles managed to halt Lipscomb’s four-game winning streak, becoming the first team to score against the Bisons in five matches.

The only goal of the match came from senior defender Heather Gilchrist in the 24th minute, assisted by sophomore midfielder Taylor Suarez on a corner kick. This goal marked Gilchrist’s fifth career goal and third game-winner of the season.

Florida State dominated the offensive play, recording 20 shots compared to Lipscomb’s four, with FSU holding a significant 6-1 advantage in shots on goal. The Seminoles also took seven corner kicks, while Lipscomb managed only one.

Freshman goalkeeper Jenna Ockene secured her third consecutive shutout, making one save, while Lipscomb’s keeper registered five saves throughout the game. Junior forward Emily Hudson led the Seminoles with five shots and two on goal.

The first significant chance came early from freshman forward Emma Touray, whose shot from the edge just missed over the crossbar. Following this, sophomore forward Jessica Dudley had another near miss, rolling a shot inches wide.

Following Gilchrist’s goal, Florida State maintained intense pressure, significantly outshooting Lipscomb 12-1 in the first half. Ockene recorded one save during this period as Lipscomb’s goalkeeper was forced to make three crucial stops.

The second half began with Florida State continuing to press offensively, producing four shots in the initial five minutes. Though the Seminoles threatened to increase their lead, Ockene faced no shots on goal in the second half, highlighting the defensive strength of FSU.

Florida State will now face the winner of the upcoming match between Georgetown and West Virginia in the Third Round on November 23 at 12 p.m. ET.