BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Wofford women's soccer team concluded their 2025 season in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference Tournament at Shauna Yelton Field on Friday evening after a late second half penalty kick decided the match for the Terriers. The No. 8 Terriers fell 2-0 to No. 1 Samford in a battle for a spot in the conference semifinals.

Wofford started the match holding their positions tight, keeping the fast Samford offense from any opportunities. The Terriers held strong before the Bulldogs took their first strike of the night, but it was saved by reigning SoCon Defensive Player of the Week Elizabeth Navola.

The Terriers were quick to answer back with their own chance when Saachi Bureau took a shot out wide in the 9^th minute, but it went off target. This would be the only shot the Terriers would see in the first half as Samford's back line held their line firm.

For the remainder of the first, Wofford would have to play back in the box to ensure Samford's consistent offense didn't see any chances. The Terriers were keeping up with the Bulldogs as they deflected and pushed away any chances Samford saw. However, in the 37^th minute when the Bulldogs were awarded a corner kick, Samford took this opportunity to place the ball perfectly in the box for a deep header to bring the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

Samford would have one more shot before both teams headed to the locker rooms at the half.

Wofford had one shot compared to Samford's 11 shots. Navola had two saves while the Bulldogs did not have one.

The Terriers came back from the break to fight for more chances in the box. In the 55^th minute Bureau would make a run down the field into Samford's box. From there, Bureau would take a shot at Samford's Second Team All-Conference selection Peyton Hull, but she would deflect it. Junior Mary Liese Grier recovered the deflection and would strike, but her attempt just went wide right.

Navola held her line firm against the Bulldogs' polished offense as she recorded eight saves in the match.

The Terriers' backline was wearing down from Samford's constant attacks. In the 78^th minute, defender Carson DeMars attacked for possession of the ball in the box. DeMars would foul and was issued a straight red card, awarding Samford a penalty kick.

The Bulldogs would take this opportunity to seal the game and secure their spot in the SoCon semifinals, ending the Terriers' season in a heartbreaking finale.

Notes:
The Terriers ended their season with an overall 6-9-6 record and .429 percentage, the best record since 2022 when Wofford ended the season 9-8-3 and .525 percentage.

This is the best debut season for a head coach in over two decades since Amy Kiah recorded a 13-9 overall record in her first season at Wofford in 1999.

This was the fourth straight year Wofford made it to the quarterfinals as the No. 8 seed.

Julia Grier is tied with Katie Gilligan (2018) for the best rookie debut, finishing her freshman season with four goals, three assists and 11 points.

Grier was selected to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team on Thursday evening. This is the second consecutive year Wofford has touted a freshman on the team.

Senior Ines Obradovac will leave her mark on the Wofford program as she's tied fifth in game winning goals (6) and tied seventh for career goals (18). Obradovac recorded four goals, one assist and nine points this season. Obradovac concludes her career with 49 games started, 18 goals, six game-winning goals, three assists, 39 points, and 91 shots.

Senior Ellie Gower will end her career at Wofford, recording one goal and six assists this season. This is the second consecutive year Gower has started in all games for the Terriers, recording 42 straight starts. Gower concludes her career with 54 games started, three goals, two game-winning goals, 11 assists, 17 points, and 4,267 minutes played.

Follow the Wofford women's soccer team on Instagram, X and Facebook at @WoffordWSoc for live updates, press releases and more.