COLUMBUS, Ga. – The Flagler College women's soccer team (7-7-5 overall, 5-2-2 Peach Belt Conference) saw its 2026 campaign come to a close Friday afternoon as the eighth-seeded Saints fell 1-0 to top-seeded Columbus State in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region First Round. The No. 3 ranked Cougars (16-3-2) scored the lone goal of the match in the second half to advance to Sunday's second-round match against UNC Pembroke.
SCORING SUMMARY
57' – Shania Wegesend (Assist: Kelsey Croft)
TURNING POINT
After a scoreless opening half, Columbus State found the difference maker in the 58th minute. Kelsey Croft sent a through ball to Shania Wegesend, who beat Flagler goalkeeper
Irina Barron-Gomez to the near post. The goal proved to be the difference as the Cougars held on for the 1-0 victory.
KEY STATS & NOTES
- Freshman goalkeeper Irina Barron-Gomez recorded seven saves against Columbus State, marking her fourth game this season with at least seven saves.
- Three Saints placed a shot on goal, including Ella Gembicki, Aiyana Leslie, and Analena Jacob. Brooke Rienecker, Avery Raimondo, and Ava Scott also recorded a shot.
- Six Saints, including Brooke Rienecker, Presley Ancheta, Avery Raimondo, Ella Gembicki, Jacqueline Destefano, and Barron-Gomez, played all 90 minutes of action.
- Columbus State outshot Flagler 15-6 on the afternoon, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Saints held the Cougars scoreless through the opening 45 minutes.
- The regional appearance marked the Saints' eighth NCAA Tournament appearance since joining Division II in 2008.
- Friday's meeting with the Cougars was the 31st all-time between the programs, with Columbus State improving to 20-5-5 in the series.
- The Saints concluded the 2026 campaign with a 7-7-5 overall record and a 5-2-2 mark in Peach Belt Conference play.
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