Virginia Beach, Va. -- University of Lynchburg women's soccer fell 1-0 to Virginia Wesleyan in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship match Sunday afternoon. 

The Marlins made an early impact on the match, taking the first six shots. The wind also had an influence on gameplay. On Virginia Wesleyan's fourth shot, the wind carried the ball and forced Jade Lecklider to make a save while falling backwards. 

Alix Allen earned a pair of opportunities for Lynchburg beginning in the 33rd minute. Her first shot came off a long free kick and she sent a second shot over the goal 35 seconds later.

However, Lynchburg's offensive possessions were short lived as Lecklider made two more saves to close out the first half. 

With the wind at their backs, the Hornets opened the second half with a few good scoring chances. In the 51st minute, Taylor Smith lined up a free kick from just outside the box, but it was blocked. Allen lined up the rebound, but sent her shot wide.

Less than a minute later, Maddy Myers got deep into Marlins territory. She sent a cross into the box, but Virginia Wesleyan's goalie claimed it before Myers could find any teammates. 

After out-possessing Virginia Wesleyan to begin the second half, Lynchburg set up on defense in the 74th minute. Virginia Wesleyan took advantage of defensive miscue and buried the go-ahead goal.

After conceding, Lynchburg directed all their efforts to finding an equalizer. The Hornets took five shots in the closing 16 minutes. 

Amanda Wigboldy nearly found the back of the net with 3:13 left in the match. The senior from Lynchburg, Va. connected on header inside the 6, but the Marlins' goalie made the save. 

Lynchburg's quest for a 17th ODAC title expired after Virginia Wesleyan ran out the clock in their attacking third. 

Sydney Dombrovskis, Alix Allen, and Haleigh Casey grabbed all-tournament team recognition. Dombrovskis scored twice in the playoffs, including a game-winning score against Guilford in double overtime of the quarterfinals. Allen and Casey led a defense that only allowed one goal in 281 minutes of postseason soccer. 

The Hornets enjoyed a successful season leading up to the championship match. They experienced a ten-match winning streak, were ranked as high as 22nd in the nation, and are regionally ranked. 

Lynchburg women's soccer will be watching the NCAA women's soccer tournament selection show on Monday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. to see if they earn an at-large bid. 

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2021 ODAC WOMEN'S SOCCER ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Hanna Randolph, Bridgewater

Skyler Daum, Bridgewater

Erin Hoeh, Washington and Lee

Chloe Rapier, Washington and Lee

Alix Allen, Lynchburg

Sydney Dombrovskis, Lynchburg

Haleigh Casey, Lynchburg

Kennedi Anders, Virginia Wesleyan

Amruta Karkare, Virginia Wesleyan 

Olivia Bryant, Virginia Wesleyan

Sam Crawford - Most Outstanding Player, Virginia Wesleyan

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