Columbus, Ga. --- The University of West Florida women's soccer team hit three goals against the Columbus St. Cougars in the NCAA Championship quarterfinals but was not enough and the season comes to a close for the Argos.
 
The team ended with an overall record of 18-4-1 and proved to be a top-8 team in the nation. The Argos won the South Region title over the weekend after taking down 1-seed Embry Riddle and turned around quickly after to take on another 1-seeded team but just fell short after an 87^th minute goal by the Cougars.
 
Despite out shooting on goal 10-8, a three-goal run by the Cougars in the last 24 minutes knocked the Argos chances of winning the NCAA Championship.
 
The Cougars (20-2-1) got on the board in the 16^th minute – the first time UWF did not score first in the NCAA tournament against all previous opponents. Six minutes after, the Argos found themselves an opportunity to even the score off a penalty kick. Senior Blair Cowan took the PK and scored goal number 22 on the season and became division II's second leading scorer – one shy from being tied first. Cowan currently has the most points in the nation at 54 after totaling 22 goals and ten assists.
 
The Argos entered the second half tied 1-1 and hit two goals back-to-back within two minutes of each other at the 52^nd and 54^th minute mark. Forward Brianna Pope found the back of the net to take the lead and Mya Swinton capitalized off an assist from defender Bailey Erwig. Pope ends the season as the team's second leading scorer with nine goals and totaled 21 points. This is Swinton's third game in a row with a goal and ended the season with 16 points – tied for third most in the team.
 
At the 67^th minute, the Cougars went on a three-goal run and the final goal in the 87^th minute took the lead from the Argos.
 
Goalkeeper Maciah Lipsey recorded four saves. Lipsey remained to be the least scored on goalkeeper in the conference with 13 goals allowed.
 
The Argos had a slight 21-20 edge on shots. Forwards Cowan, Swinton and Pope combined for 13 shots and Erwig took three with one coming on target. Defenders Destiny Hird and Ahnalie Layman and joined by Okada, hit one apiece after playing all 90 minutes on the pitch.
 
The Argos concluded the season as the most decorated team in the conference. The Argos had a league-high of players that landed on All-GSC teams – four players were awarded first team and three named to second team. Cowan and Lipsey took Gulf South Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year. Four players were named to the All-South Region first team: Cowan, Lipsey, Manami Okada and Kileigh Whited and Cowan was earned All-South Region Player of the Year.
 
GSC Coach of the Year, Joe Bartlinski, has an overall record of 348-62-26 in 22 seasons.