By Zach DeMarcus
November 28, 2017
 
(ORANGE BEACH, Ala.) Haley Parzonko scored the lone goal this afternoon as Westmont Women's Soccer (16-3-2) defeated Columbia (Mo.) (20-2) by a score of 1-0 and advances to play in the quarterfinals.
 
Westmont head coach Chantel Cappuccilli said, "I felt like our opening minutes in the first half was some of the best I've seen from them within five seasons. I think we made our presence known in the opening 45 minutes. That was huge for us – to come out and set the tone and start well.
 
"That was the coaching staff's word of the day was that we have to start well. We have to take it to them from the beginning. We can't let them get settled in. I'm proud of our efforts in being able to do that. That was a huge positive for us in this game," said Cappuccilli.
 
The Warriors were able to disrupt Columbia and eventually broke through the Cougars' defense. It all started in the 31^st minute when Savannah Scott took a corner kick for the Warriors. As she served the ball in to the box, a number of Warrior and Cougar players quickly surrounded the ball. Everyone was kicking but the ball wasn't necessarily going in any direction. After several seconds, it finally popped out to the left where Parzonko was waiting to strike. She quickly got the shot off and the ball found its way to the back right corner of the net.
 
The goal was scored in the 32^nd minute and put the Warriors up by the eventual final score of 1-0.
 
Parzonko said, "I was watching Destinee (Adams) just pin poke the ball slowly forward as she was winning tackles. I was thinking I just have to try to get in there to shoot for her. The opportunity just opened up for me. It was one of those moments when you blink and it's in the back of the net."
 
Cappuccilli said, "I think that goal was a moment where we scrapped and fought and came out on the other end. That was a big moment for Haylee to put that away for us. In this setting, especially as you get to the lower numbers, the opportunities come fewer and farther between. Our ability to put that away was crucial."
 
The Warrior defense proved to be pivotal in the victory. "I think that by cutting off passing lanes, anticipating early, and being dynamic within our movement on and off the ball, we didn't allow Columbia to get in a rhythm in that opening half. I think it was a little bit of a chase for them in the second half," added Cappuccilli.
 
The Cougars had a few opportunities. One came late in the first half when a ball was served in to Kelsey Mirts. The ball was bouncing towards the goal box and Mirts nicked the ball, attempting to chip it over Westmont goalkeeper Gabi Haw, but Haw snatched the ball out of the air and evaded the threat.
 
Westmont had a chance to add on to their lead in the 66^th minute when Jackie Lopez ripped a shot that was destined for the top right corner of the goal. Columbia keeper Madison Boyken dove and punched the ball over the crossbar keeping the score 1-0.
 
Westmont now has to prepare for tomorrow's game against 2^nd seed Spring Arbor (Mich.).
 
Cappuccilli said, "We tried to give rest to a few players today. They have to be ready to go again tomorrow. I think every single player has to be ready to go every game – that's the way we coach. We emphasize that a win takes all of them, and that all of them play a role in different ways.
 
"I think the reality is that when you're in a national tournament you might not have a routine. It's more important that you're adaptable to the schedule and to the amount of recovery that you have. You just win, advance, prepare, and go again. It's time to fight again tomorrow."
 
Parzonko added, "It's going to be a challenge and all about our time in recovery and being smart with how we're ice bathing, stretching, what we're eating tonight, and keeping the mentality that every game could be our last and continuing to play like that."
 
Kickoff for the quarterfinal game is set for tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. CST.