FLORENCE, Ala. – Katharina Oelschlaeger stepped up Sunday with a second-half goal to lift Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer to a 1-0 victory at North Alabama.
"Great bounce back result," head coach Jim Blankenship said. "Proud of the effort and how well we played defensively. The goal was outstanding, and so happy for Kat and her confidence continues to get better and better."
FGCU (6-4-1, 3-1 ASUN) returned to the win column and remained undefeated in the all-time series against UNA (6-3-3, 2-1-1 ASUN). At 3-1 in conference play, the Eagles are now perched third in the regular season race.
Oelschlaeger found the back of the net in the 60th minute, her second scoring strike of the season. Ashley Labbe and Katelyn Kauffman were credited with assists on the eventual game-winner.
The Eagles took a scoreless tie heading into halftime with each team recording four shots in the first 45 minutes.
Both offenses turned up the pressure in the second half, but freshman goalkeeper Olivia Molina kept the Lions off the board with three saves to post her sixth clean sheet of the year and her third in conference action.
The Lions would edge the Eagles in shots and corner opportunities, 10-9 and 6-2 in their respective categories. Molina made a crucial save in the 66th minute to preserve the Eagles' lead.
Labbe accounted for three of FGCU's nine shots Sunday. Labbe, Kauffman, Erika Zschuppe, Eden Bretzer each recorded a shot on goal.
FGCU returns to the pitch Thursday, Sept. 28, to host Kennesaw State at Pickering Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
