VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --- The Virginia Wesleyan University Women's Soccer team knocked off the 23rd-ranked Rowan University 1-0 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship on Foster Field at the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex Sunday afternoon.

GAME INFORMATION

• Score: Virginia Wesleyan 1 - No. 23 Rowan 0
• Records: Virginia Wesleyan 17-2-3 | No. 23 Rowan 14-1-4
• Location: Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex | Virginia Beach, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Marlins (17-2-3) wasted little time getting on the board as Alexis Miller assisted Lexi Soteriou's fourth goal of the year in just the third minute of the game. Virginia Wesleyan punched its ticket to the "Sweet 16" for the first time since 2006 and the third time in program history. The victory gives the Profs (14-1-4) their lone loss on the season and first loss to Virginia Wesleyan in three matches. All three games have been decided by one goal.

While the game-time temperature dropped nearly 20 degrees from Saturday's high of 75, neither team seemed fazed during the physical and closely contested match. The Marlins outshot the Profs 12 to six including a six-to-one advantage in shots on goal. VWU keeper Rachel Quigley earned the win while notching her ninth shutout of the season. This did not come without drama, however, as a Rowan breakaway with less than two minutes left in the second half pulled Quigley from goal leading to a game-saving clear and relieving the over 400 Marlin faithful in attendance.

"At the beginning of the year our goal was, quite frankly, to earn respect," said VWU Head Coach Jeff Bowers. "We felt like a lot of people didn't believe in us, and honestly still don't. I'm really proud of how this group has come together. We are going to continue to get better."

UP NEXT
Virginia Wesleyan, who received votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, will now turn their attention to a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse team (21-1-1) which has won their last 18 matches and is currently ranked No. 13 nationally. The Marlins and Eagles will wait for the NCAA to announce where next week's third round will be played.