From Jimmie Athletics

COLUMBIA, Mo. (jimmiepride.com)– Thirteen-ranked Aquinas (Mich.) College scored three second-half goals to defeat the University of Jamestown women’s soccer team 3-1 in the Columbia bracket of the NAIA National Championship First Round.

Aquinas (19-2-1) advances to the bracket championship on Saturday, while the Jimmies’ season ends at 14-6-2.

UJ opened up a 1-0 lead as Iliana Ramirez (SO/Marysville, Wash.) scored her third goal of the season in the 18th minute. Ramirez capitalized on a failed clearing attempt by the Saint defense and put the ball in the top shelf out of keeper Kayla Shuk’s reach.

Ramirez and Gaby Sarkis (SO/Campbelltown, Sydney, Australia) had the only shots on goal for the Jimmies in the first half, while Aquinas had all four of its targeted shots saved by UJ keeper Tea Pence (FR/Hamilton, Ohio).

The second half saw the Saints control the majority of offensive possession, and their persistence paid off as Sydney Shenk tied the game in the 66th minute. Jamestown did not get its first shot of the half until the 80th minute, which nearly put them back in front but Kamryn Fiscus (SR/Yakima, Wash.)’s attempt hit the crossbar.

Aquinas took the lead in the 82nd minute as Ariana Garcia dribbled past the Jimmie defense, setting up Shenk just inside the 18-yard box. Shenk drew Pence towards the left post and used the angle to slot the ball into the right corner of the net.

Shenk set up the Saints’ final goal 78 seconds later as her cross found a charging Brittany Carter towards the left post. Carter barely had to extend her left foot to contact the ball and make it a 3-1 game.

Fiscus had another shot in the 87th minute that went high of the net, and Aquinas was able to see out the final three minutes.

Shots ended 19-6 in favor of the Saints. Pence finished with seven saves.