Koalas Claim #6 seed in AAC tournament with regular season finale win

A Kylie Stewart goal before halftime was enough to make the difference as the Columbia College Koalas finished off the regular season with a 1-0 road victory at the Brenau University Golden Tigers.

Coming into the game, the Koalas knew they'd be either the 6 or 7 seed, depending on their own results and others within the conference. Columbia had control of their own destiny, however, as a win over Brenau would guarantee the #6 seed.

A cagey opening to the game meant neither team really had many good opportunities, and with just a few minutes left in the half it looked like both teams would be able to use the break to make tactical adjustments to try to find a way to create more chances. Stewart had other ideas, however, as at the 43:24 mark she latched onto a free kick from Lakelee Aldrich and her bouncing shot evaded the Golden Tigers keeper to make the score 1-0.

Despite pressing for an equalizer, Brenau were heavily stifled in the second half by a fantastic team effort by the Koalas, as they held the Golden Tigers to just a single shot in the second period.  Jordan Myers and Aldrich both hit the crossbar in the second frame, but the solitary 44th minute goal from Stewart would be enough to win the game and secure an AAC Tournament first round bye.

Teagan Eisenring picked up the shutout in goal, the Koalas 3rd shutout of the season, and the defensive group of Kianna Dodge, Samantha McDaniel, Aldrich, Stewart, Kimia Hughey and Alyssa Collins worked tirelessly to prevent good chances for Brenau.

Columbia, who notched their 10th win of the season with the victory today, will take a few days to rest and recuperate before heading to Reinhardt in the 6v3 matchup next Saturday in Waleska, GA.