NEWPORT NEWS, Va. --- First half goals from Shyenne Diaz and Sam Crawford combined with a strong defensive effort that featured eight saves from keeper Rachel Quigley have propelled Virginia Wesleyan University to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship with a 2-1 victory over the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Saturday afternoon.

The Marlins (18-2-3) advance to meet defending national champions Christopher Newport University (19-0-2) in the round of eight on Sunday. The Captains, hosts of a four-team pod in the section and quarterfinal rounds this week, defeated Trinity University (Texas), 1-0, Saturday's other sectional game in Newport News.

Virginia Wesleyan is in the midst of its 14th appearance on the national stage. This is the third time the Marlins have reached at least the quarterfinal round. VWU's 2002 squad bowed out on penalty kicks to DePauw University in the quarterfinals following a 0-0 draw through regulation and overtime. Marlin reached the semifinals in 2006 where a 2-0 result in Wheaton (Ill.) College's favor ended that season's run.

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Diaz opened the game's scoring in the 18th minute with her 13th tally of the season. After a takeaway 30 yards from UW-L's goal by Kalyn Byrd, Alexis Miller pushed a pass beyond Eagles' central defender and onto the feet of Diaz. The ODAC Rookie of the Year sent a low shot past the on-coming keeper for a 1-0 lead.

Crawford made it 2-0 Marlins in the 31st minute. A left-footed corner kick taken by Olivia Bryant rebounded off a La Crosse defensive player towards the center of the Eagles' goal box. Crawford was first to the loose ball as she sent a shot into the back of the net.

La Crosse got one back in the 60th minute. VWU keeper Quigley was equal to the first attempt on-goal by the Eagles, but Claire Cater clean-up the rebound to cut the Marlins lead to 2-1 with 30:46 to play.

That would be the only shot to get past Quigley as she made five of her eight saves in the second half.

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