NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The dynasty continues. For the second straight year, the Lipscomb Women's Soccer team captured the ASUN Championship, defeating North Florida 3-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex. With the victory, the Bisons not only secured consecutive conference titles but also punched their ticket to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, continuing a legacy of dominance under head coach Kevin O'Brien.
From the opening whistle, Lipscomb looked every bit the reigning champions—confident, and relentless. The Bisons dictated the tempo, maintaining extended possession and applying consistent pressure in the attacking third. Their breakthrough came in spectacular fashion midway through the first half when graduate student, Maddy Rhodes delivered a highlight-reel moment. After a driven ball into the box, Rhodes flicked a back-heel finish past the North Florida keeper in the 27th minute, putting Lipscomb ahead 1-0.
The Bisons continued to dominate through the first half and into the second, controlling the midfield through junior captain, Bella Carapazza, and creating multiple quality chances. In the 65th minute, Lipscomb doubled its lead when senior captain Lucy Hurst pounced on a rebound inside the box, burying the ball from close range to make it 2-0 and effectively seal the match, flipping into celebration.
Then, in the 74th junior forward Hailey Johnson sealed the championship in typical fashion, slotting home a precise finish to make it 3-0 and put the game out of reach.
Defensively, the Bisons were rock-solid. The back line and goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar were composed and organized, denying every North Florida attempt and preserving yet another clean sheet when it mattered most.
When the final whistle sounded, the celebration was on. Players rushed the field as purple and gold smoke filled the air, marking another championship moment in Nashville.
For her outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Bella Carapazza was named the ASUN Tournament MVP, anchoring the midfield and contributing on both sides of the ball. She was joined on the ASUN All-Tournament Team by Lauren Bennett, Hailey Johnson, and Tatum Ahlemeyer, all of whom played pivotal roles in Lipscomb's title run.
The Bisons now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they'll represent the ASUN for the second year in a row. The 2025 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament Selection Show will take place on Monday, November 10th, at 3 p.m. CST.
