The Emory University women's soccer team saw its season come to an end Friday night as the Eagles fell to William Smith, 2-0, in the national semifinals at Peter Johann Memorial Field on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Two second half goals were the difference on Friday as William Smith notched both of its scores in the 47th and 59th minutes to clinch the victory.



Prior to the Herons scoring, the Eagles were the early aggressors as Emory outshot William Smith 10-2 in the first half but had just one shot on frame. Sophomore Kaitlyn Nimmer had a pair of shots blocked in the 35th minute and classmate Emily Woodall nearly missed the right post in the 44th.

In the early stages following the halftime break, William Smith's Nell Dwyer gave the Herons their much-needed edge as she headed a centering pass from Ruth Hotaling over the leaping reach of Sophia Garcia for her third goal of the season.

The Herons doubled their advantage 12 minutes later when Kirsten Nelson collected a bouncing ball in the box and slipped a shot past Garcia for her first collegiate goal. 

Trailing by two, the Eagles did not go quietly as they had a flurry of chances in the middle of the second half.

Nimmer had an opportunity turned away in the 67th prior to a Woodall header clanking the crossbar moments later. Woodall had one more chance for the Eagles in the 73rd but her attempt was corralled by the Heron keeper.

On the night, Emory led 18-8 in total shots as well as 4-3 in shots on goal. 

With the defeat, it closes the door on one of the most successful seasons in Emory women's soccer program history as the Eagles tallied an overall record 14-4-4 and advanced to the Final Four for the second time ever.

The Herons, who improved to 17-3-4 on the season, advance to the national title game where they'll oppose WashU on Sunday, December 8th.