CHARLOTTE, N.C.- A goal from Lees-McRae’s Maribeth Novak in the 62nd minute turned out to be the game-winner in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 Conference Carolinas tournament featuring the No. 4 seed Queens and the No. 5 seed Lees-McRae.
Novak took the free kick about 25 yards out and slipped between the outstretched hands of Kristen Kornacki (Glen Allen, Va., Deep Run ) and the crossbar.
The first half of play was just about as even as a game could be. Both teams had chances and opportunities, but neither could come away with a goal. The Bobcats held a one goal advantage over the Royals, 4-3, but both offensive units were able to produce four corner kicks.
Each goalie had their hands on the ball; Kornacki for Queens made just one save and Brittany Bolton from had two.
Queens had a strong opportunity five minutes into the second half after Lauren Vawter (Mooresville, N.C., Lake Norman ) broke up a play in the midfield and fed the ball to a streaking Kathryn Sylvester (Cary, N.C., Apex ). Sylvester took a few touches and ripped a shot but Bolton came out and made a big save for Lees-McRae.
The two teams battled for another 10 when the Bobcats had their free kick opportunity.
The Royals tightened up all over the field and poured on the pressure. The Royals defense and midfield continuously halted the Bobcats attacks and pushed the ball to the offense.
Queens looked like they would force the extra periods in the last eight minutes of the game. Forward Kristen Wright (Salisbury, Md., Parkside) registered two shots and Megan Sload had one, but Bolton made a save and the team came through and saved what looked like the time.
By the end the Royals were one up on shots, 10-9, and three corner kicks more than the Bobcats, 7-4.
K. Wright led all shooters with five shots. Kornacki ended up with two saves and Bolton had six. Lees-McRae Novak had four shots.
Lees-McRae advances to play the No. 1 seed Belmont Abbey College on Thursday at 2pm.