SALISBURY, N.C. - The third-seeded Flagler College women's soccer team defeated sixth-seeded University of North Carolina Pembroke, 1-0, Thursday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship.
 
"We knew today would be a battle, and it absolutely was," head coach Ashley Martin said. "UNCP played a great game and worked us until the very end." 
 
The Saints (14-3-2) had a few shots early in the first half and were able to get on the board in the 30th minute. Madison North sent in a free kick from 45 yards out into the box, connecting with Moa Arlebo who headed the ball, hit the crossbar, and followed through on the rebound to take a 1-0 lead.
 
UNC Pembroke (16-3-2) attempted to even the score, taking six shots in the second half, but Madison North made three saves in the final 45 minutes to secure Flagler's 1-0 victory.
 
While the Saints had a 13-12 edge in shots, the Braves had the advantage in shots on goal (7-3) and corner kicks (7-3). North had a stellar day in the net, making seven saves for Flagler. 
 
The Saints advance to the second round of the tournament where they will play the winner of No. 2 Catawba College and No. 7 Wingate University at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 in Salisbury, North Carolina.

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