KENNESAW, Ga. – In Belmont’s (13-6-2) first appearance at the Atlantic Sun Tournament in program history, the rookies toppled reigning A-Sun champion Jacksonville (7-12-1) on Wednesday night and advanced to the semifinals. Freshmen Erica Carter and Jayme Trocino notched both of the Bruins’ goals en route to Belmont women’s soccer first postseason victory.

Belmont showed why it has one of the best defenses in the Atlantic Sun with its play early in the first half. The Bruins were able to keep the ball over the midfield line for most first portion of the first stanza and control the tempo of the match. Finally inside the 20th minute, BU made its move. A-Sun All-Freshman Team honoree Erica Carter (Spring, Texas) broke away from a Jacksonville defender and moved to the right side of the field, just outside the Dolphins’ box before setting up a quick pass to herself and beating the keeper to put Belmont up, 1-0. Keri Zwikker tried to challenge senior net minder Micaela Crowley (Hoover, Ala.) head on but the Belmont senior was able to stop her attempt. An equalizer goal by the Dolphins was taken away on an offsides call and the Bruins were able to hold on to their 1-0 lead heading into the break.

After the break, Jacksonville turned the momentum in its favor and became much more aggressive. A corner kick by Elizabeth Fink set up the tying goal for Jacksonville in the 68th minute that was headed in by Devin Dowell. However, the Bruins were not to be denied. Less than 30 seconds later, the Bruins pushed the ball up the field. Senior Kari Lennon (Hoover, Ala.) passed the ball to freshman Jayme Trocino (Franklin, Tenn.), who notched her fourth goal of the season, putting BU up, 2-1. From then on, the Bruins, who began using the clock to their advantage, worked to keep the ball away from the eager feet of JU players as time waned. A last effort shot by Jelena Vrcelj was halted by Crowley and the Bruins were able to cruise to their first ever Atlantic Sun Tournament victory.

“That goal by Jayme Trocino immediately after they tied the game and had a ton of momentum was one of the most important goals I have ever seen in college soccer. I will remember it for a long time,” said Head Coach Lisa Howe. “It was against the momentum and against the flow of the play and probably will become one of the most important goals scored in Belmont history.

“We are really excited [about today’s win] and are looking forward to playing Mercer tomorrow.”

JU held a slight advantage in shots, 19-15, while Belmont dominated in corner kicks, 7-2.

Crowley, who was named to the A-Sun All-Conference Second Team, went the distance inside the net for the Bruins, racking up eight saves on the night. Carter led Belmont in shots with a total of three while classmate Patience Whitten (Germantown, Tenn.) and juniors Jamie Bullock (Franklin, Tenn.) and Anna Holt (Nashville, Tenn.) each contributed two shots.

Belmont advances to the semifinal round of the Atlantic Sun Tournament where it will face off against second-seeded Mercer. Match time is set for 3 p.m. CT and can be viewed on ASun.tv.