Virginia Beach, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's soccer team battled through 99 minutes before Virginia Wesleyan scored an overtime game-winner on Saturday evening at Foster Field at the Tassos Paphitis Soccer Complex.

The Hornets put together a strong defensive effort throughout regulation, holding the high-powered Marlins scoreless for more than 99 minutes. Goalkeeper Kate Shepherd anchored the Lynchburg back line with eight saves, matching Virginia Wesleyan's pressure with poise between the posts. In the final minute of overtime, the Marlins' Kaylyn Seitz found Courtney Mills in space inside the box for the game-ending shot.

Lynchburg generated several promising chances, recording seven shots and six on target. Makayla Hargrove led the attack with three shots, including two on goal, while Rylee Wampler added two shots, both on frame. Lauren Orner and Hannah Phillips each tallied a shot on goal as well, forcing VWU's keeper into key stops to keep the match level through regulation.

The Hornets' defensive unit led by Shepherd, Zoe Villarreal, Ella Fulmer, Sammie Rogstad and Lune DenHartog kept the Marlins from capitalizing on their 19 total shots across the night. Despite the high number of corner kicks and fouls on both sides, Lynchburg stayed organized and composed, especially as the match stretched into extra time. Even in defeat, Lynchburg's balanced effort and intensity showcased its postseason determination as the Hornets move forward from a hard-fought contest decided in the closing seconds of overtime.

Throughout the 2025 campaign, the Hornets earned double-digit victories for the fifth consecutive season and 30th occasion in the Dr. Todd Olsen tenure. Additionally, Lynchburg began the season with a five-game unbeaten streak and eight victories in the first 10 games. Morgan Oliver led the Hornets' offense with nine goals and eight assists, while Lauren Orner was close behind with eight goals and two assists.

The final bracket for the 2025 NCAA Tournament will be revealed on ncaa.com on Monday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-the-minute news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

Sign up here to receive Lynchburg Sports news in your email inbox.

Give Lynchburg Athletics a like on Facebook, and follow Lynchburg Athletics on Instagram and X. Read Full Article