Final Score: Lipscomb - 3, Belmont - 1
Location: Nashville, Tenn. (Lipscomb Soccer Complex)
Records: Lipscomb (2-1-1), Belmont (1-3-0)
Lipscomb won the Battle of the Boulevard over rival school Belmont Bruins to remain undefeated at home this season.
The energy in the stadium from both squad's fans was electric and from the kickoff, the teams were fired up. The Bisons and Bruins have been playing each other since 2003 and at the beginning of the series, Belmont was dominant, winning each of the first eight matches. Lipscomb recorded their first win in 2011 and has been undefeated in the six matches leading up to this one. For both teams, a lot was riding on the line to see who the 2024 Battle of the Boulevard winner would be.
The Bruins got the scoring action started on an assisted goal in the 17' minute, but it did not take the Bisons long to respond. Lipscomb recorded their first shot in the 19' minute when
Kiara Pralle took on two defenders and the Bruins' goalkeeper to score Lipscomb's first goal of the game. The play was created by
Maddy Rhodes, who was able to make a dime of a pass to Pralle from the backfield to set her up for success and provide the assist.
Lipscomb and Belmont went into the second half all tied up and looking for more.
Faith Adams joined the scoring action in the 56' minute to put the Bisons on top. Adams was set up by
Taylor James's assist, hammering in a direct shot of the goal from the top of the box. Adams's goal not only gave Lipscomb its first lead of the night, but it ended up being the game-winning goal. As impressive of a feat that is alone, it was also Adams's first goal in her collegiate career.
Lipscomb may have been in the lead, but it did not mean that the Bruins were slowing down by any means. Belmont continually attacked the goal but to no avail. Bisons fans were left holding their breaths around the 76' minute when Belmont recorded two corner kicks and nearly scored off each. In her first start with the Bisons,
Lauren Swoopes was able to save both close-range shot attempts with the experience and composure of a veteran. Swoopes played a huge role in Lipscomb's win, saving four of Belmont's six shots on goal.
The Bisons were able to seal the deal on their win with
Kiara Pralle's second and final goal of the night in the 79' minute. Pralle shot from the top of the box, unable to find the opening through the defense. Although the shot was slightly off target, it bounced off a defender's leg and the goalie was unable to react in time, allowing the ball easy access to the goal.
"What an incredible night, the Battle of the Boulevard never disappoints," Coach O'Brien opened with in his post-game interview. "Once we settled in, [I was] really, really excited about how we played." "As the game wore on, I thought we asserted our dominance and we were able to possess it a lot more, create better chances."
Lipscomb is back in action on the road against the Troy Trojans. Kickoff will take place on Sept. 1 at 3:00 PM in Troy, Ala.
