FENTON, Mo. – The Webster University women's soccer team captured the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Tournament Championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating Spalding University 1-0 at World Wide Technology Soccer Park to secure an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament.
Junior forward Malaya Blakely delivered the decisive goal in the 62nd minute, while goalkeeper Leia Adkins recorded four saves to preserve the shutout and help the Gorloks claim the conference tournament title.
After a scoreless opening half, Webster broke through at the 61:33 mark when Sofia Bosnos sent a cross into the center of the box, finding Blakely in front of the net for her team-leading 21st goal of the season. Bosnos earned the assist on the game-winner, giving Webster a 1-0 advantage.
Spalding applied pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes, outshooting Webster 13-5 and generating several dangerous scoring opportunities. The Golden Eagles threatened late in the half when Trinity Bauwens struck the crossbar in the 44th minute, but Adkins and the Webster defense kept Spalding off the scoreboard heading into halftime.
The Gorloks responded with a stronger offensive showing in the second half, holding a 6-4 advantage in shots and capitalizing on the opportunity created by Bosnos and Blakely. Spalding continued to threaten down the stretch, forcing Adkins into consecutive saves in the 82nd and 83rd minutes, but Webster held firm to secure the 1-0 victory.
Blakely led the Gorloks with six shots, including five on goal, while Riley Cappozzo added two attempts. Spalding finished with a 17-11 advantage in total shots, while Webster held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. Adkins finished with four saves, and Spalding goalkeeper Lily Brennen recorded five.
Following the championship, Blakely was named the SLIAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, while Bosnos and Carmen Williams joined her on the All-Tournament Team.
With the victory, Webster secured the SLIAC's automatic qualification to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. The Gorloks will learn their first-round opponent and tournament destination during the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Selection Show.
