FLORENCE, Ala. – The third time was the charm on Sunday. The University of West Florida women's soccer team took a 1-0 win over Mississippi College in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, beating the Lady Choctaws for the first time this season after falling to them twice earlier in the year.
 
With the win, UWF improved to 17-4-1 and advanced to the South Region final for the sixth time since 2008. UWF is the only Gulf South Conference team to reach the Regional Final more than once. The Argonauts also improved their all-time NCAA record to 25-12 with two wins over the weekend, leading all GSC teams by at least 16 wins in that category.
 
"They made it difficult as always, they're a very strong team," UWF head coach Joe Bartlinski said following the match. "I was pleased with how we played today. All credit for Mississippi College for making it difficult, but for our players to step up today and get the victory and advance, that's big for the program but those are our expectations."
 
Deneisha Blackwood scored the lone goal of the day, receiving a pass from Victoria Swift, dodging defenders and bouncing around MC keeper Andrea McDonald before drilling a left-footed shot into the lower left corner of the goal in the 13th minute.
 
Blackwood's shot was one of nine that went on target for UWF on Sunday, and all three of her shots were on goal, as were both of Shantell Thompson's. In all, UWF outshot MC 13-9 while holding the Lady Choctaws to just two shots on goal.
 
The UWF defense locked down Mississippi College in the second half, allowing just the two shots on goal in the 61st and 64th minutes. Following those two shots, MC would not get off another until the final minute of action.
 
UWF will see a familiar face on Friday, November 17, when the Argos face Lee in the South Region Final. The Regional Final round of the NCAA Tournament, and the NCAA Quarterfinals that follow on Sunday, will be held at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Information on tickets, a live stream, and live stats will be updated later in the week.