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Cumberland University

Big Game Brenna
1
St. Thomas STU (13-5-2)
2
Winner Cumberland (TN) CU (16-1-3)
St. Thomas STU
(13-5-2)
1
Final
2
Cumberland (TN) CU
(16-1-3)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
St. Thomas STU 1 0 1
Cumberland (TN) CU 2 0 2

Next Game:

vs. Hope International University (Calif.)

11/28/2023 | 7:00 PM

Next Game

Full Schedule
Nov. 28 (Tue) / 7:00 PM
vs. Hope International University (Calif.)
History

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Phoenix tame the Bobcats in second round of NAIA National Tournament

Lebanon, Tenn. - - After a strong first half from Brenna Swiger, Cumberland defended their home field against the Bobcats from St. Thomas University, winning their second-round match 2-1.

Dominating the opening fifteen minutes of the game, the Phoenix had several dangerous shots and were unlucky to see a Brenna Swiger shot rocket off the crossbar and down into the ground just in front of the goalkeeper for the Bobcats. Swiger would not be denied again though, finding herself with another attempt on goal in the 6th minute of the first half.

Feeding her a ball through the defense, she smashed a shot off the goalkeeper and saw an open net for her second attempt on the frame. Using her left foot, she broke the game wide open, putting the Phoenix ahead early.

The Bobcats had plenty of time to recover though, clawing their way back into this second-round matchup. Eclipsing the twenty minutes mark, St. Thomas gathered five shots on goal to Cumberland's two and pulled all of the momentum onto their side.

Being honored before the game, the Bobcat's Champions of Character representative and captain, Alexandra Santiago, showed up in a big way. Taking the ball down the left wing, Santiago went on a tremendous run and finished her shot at the first post, bringing the game level.

Dealing with St. Thomas' high pressing attack, the Phoenix had to take their chances on the counter. Continuing her marauding first half, Brenna Swiger linked up with Gabby Jones to put Cumberland ahead again and score what was eventually the game-winning goal.

Although the Bobcats deflected the initial pass from Jones, Swiger gathered her composure and scored an impressive overhead kick. Her first half was something to marvel at, putting up seven shots, four of those on goal, and scored the Phoenix's two goals.

Action was constant through the second half, with St. Thomas pushing their line as high as possible, forcing nearly double-digit Phoenix offsides calls.

Ensuring that Cumberland stayed ahead, Sabrina Graziano played one of her best games all season, matching her single-game high for saves with seven. Countless times she was called upon to not just make great saves, but to save the Phoenix's season, and countless times she answered.

With the game ending in favor of the No. 11 seed Phoenix, they have still yet to lose when hosting the opening round of the tournament. Cumberland will now travel to the final site in Foley, Alabama, where they will play Hope International University on November 28th.
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Players Mentioned

Sabrina Graziano

#0 Sabrina Graziano

GK
5' 6"
Senior
Gabby Jones

#11 Gabby Jones

F
5' 2"
Junior
Brenna Swiger

#16 Brenna Swiger

MF
5' 8"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Sabrina Graziano

#0 Sabrina Graziano

5' 6"
Senior
GK
Gabby Jones

#11 Gabby Jones

5' 2"
Junior
F
Brenna Swiger

#16 Brenna Swiger

5' 8"
Junior
MF