Parsons' goal sends CU ladies to Orange Beach

Upset sets up second-round match against Concordia Nov. 27

PULASKI — Rhianne Parsons scored on an assist from Kelsey Langille in the 72nd minute and 16th-ranked Cumberland held off a furious rally by No. 8 Martin Methodist in a 1-0 CU victory in the NAIA Championship Opening Round at East Campus on Saturday.

With the win the Lady Bulldogs (19-2-0) will face Concordia [OR] University at 4 p.m. Nov. 27 in Orange Beach, Ala.

Cumberland ran its winning streak to 12 with the win and defeated the RedHawks (15-4-0) for the first time in program history after 12 consecutive losses. Parsons netted her 15th goal of the year after a cross from Langille, connecting into the upper 90 from six yards out for the only goal of the match.

The Bulldogs were outshot in the match, 11-4, but many of MMC’s chances were not on frame, as Lindsey Kitson posted her 13th shutout of the year with just three saves, all in the second half, including one off the foot of Laura Graham in the final two minutes. Meaghan Storie had one save in goal for the RedHawks.