COLUMBUS, GA – The 11th-ranked Catawba College women's soccer team traveled to No. 4 Columbus State for a non-conference midweek matchup that had major Southeast Regional implications on Wednesday. CSU scored on a penalty kick in the 70th minute of a defesnive batttle to gain the edge and hand Catawba their first loss of 2022. 

Both teams came into Wednesday ranked either first or second in Division II women's soccer in six different offensive statistical categories, but both offenses were unable to find the back of the net for the majority of the game. A total of 19 shots were sent out in the first half as Catawba (13-1-2) held the advantage 12-7 after the first 45 minutes. Half of those shots by the Lady Indians were on goal. 

Columbus State (13-1-1) had the first chance with a shot on goal in the eighth minute, but it was saved by goalkeeper Sierra Davis. Catawba returned the favor with two quick chances where Sydney Jimmo and Katie Beck had shots on goal in a 30-second span. Both shots were turned away by Columbus State's goalkeeper, Lizzie Hedrick. 

Helen Summerell put a shot on goal in the 17th minute, but her attempt was saved. Summerell tied the team lead with four total shots on the day, but she had the most on frame with three. 

The two ranked teams went to the half in a scoreless tie. 

Summerell and Catawba's attack went to work right away after the break. It took just 34 seconds for the No. 11 team in the country to create a scoring chance as Summerell sent a shot towards the lower right post, but CSU made the save to keep the game knotted. 

Both defenses settled in and there was not a shot on frame for the next 20 minutes of action. In the 65th minute, the home team started to put some pressure on Catawba with two shots in a two-minute span. A few minutes later, Columbus State went on the attack again, and Catawba committed a foul inside their own goalie box to set up the Cougars with a penalty kick in the 70th minute. CSU's Emma Bedow stepped up and nailed the shot to make it 1-0. 

Columbus State's defense stiffened up for the final 20 minutes and held Catawba to just one shot, handing the Lady Indians their first regular season loss since March 11, 2020. 

The women's soccer team will look to get back in the win column this coming Saturday with a road match against Anderson at 5:00 p.m.