Marlins Clinch First Place with 3-1 Victory

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Wesleyan University women's soccer team clinched the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) regular season title on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Washington and Lee University. It is the first regular season title for the Marlins since the 2012 season.

Saturday was Senior Day for the Marlins as Madison Sanders, Katie Roberts, Alexia Vassaliadis, and Zoe Traficante were recognized in a pre-match ceremony.

The Marlins put the pressure on Washington and Lee early, scoring just four minutes in. Alex Davidson found Ryan McCurry with a short pass into the box that was finished into the upper 90.

VWU added another score at 21:21 when Marli Hayward found Mia Meinhardt for her fifth goal of the season.

That lead lasted until late in the second half when the Marlins scored with just under 10 minutes to play. Davidson spun around her defender, taking a left-footed shot towards the far post that made it past the outstretched arms of Leeann Passaro.

Washington and Lee ruined the shutout bid at 80:20 when Emily Roche' took a free kick from midfield, finding the head of Chandler Wickers for the final margin.

Passaro finished with five saves for Washington and Lee (10-5-1/7-3) while Alicia Zamora recorded three stops.

Virginia Wesleyan held a 16-9 edge in shots and 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Virginia Wesleyan (13-5-1/9-1) will host an ODAC Quarterfinal on Wednesday against an opponent that is yet to be determined.