New College of Florida Women's Soccer cut a two-goal deficit in half late in the second half but could not complete the comeback Tuesday evening, falling 2-1 to Ave Maria University at Gyrene Field.
The Mighty Banyans moved to 7-3-3 overall and 2-3-2 in Sun Conference play.
Faith Hardy scored her team-leading 13th goal of the season from the penalty spot, while Avaya Wright recorded six saves.
Despite the result, NCF clinched a place in the Sun Conference Tournament after missing the postseason last season. The Mighty Banyans enter Thursday's regular-season finale fifth in the conference standings with eight points.
A victory over No. 21 SCAD Thursday would move NCF to 11 points and allow the Mighty Banyans to finish between third and fifth. A draw would result in a finish between fourth and sixth, while a loss would place NCF sixth. The Mighty Banyans own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Warner following their 3-0 victory against the Royals earlier this season, guaranteeing NCF a place in the six-team tournament.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ave Maria generated the first chances of the match, but Wright made saves in the 14th and 26th minutes to keep the match scoreless.
Hardy produced NCF's first attempt in the 30th minute before sending another opportunity over the crossbar in the 37th.
The Mighty Banyans began creating more pressure after halftime. Chloe Nickell placed an attempt on goal in the 52nd minute, but Ave Maria goalkeeper Emma Schweitzer made the save.
The Gyrenes broke the deadlock at the 61:24 mark when Claire Wrobleski scored to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
NCF continued to push forward as Lea Scott and Nickell each placed shots on goal over the next 15 minutes.
Ave Maria doubled its lead at the 81:02 mark behind a goal from Mia Melton, but the Mighty Banyans responded just 24 seconds later. Hardy converted a penalty kick for her 13th goal of the season, pulling NCF within 2-1 with 8:34 remaining.
The Mighty Banyans continued searching for the equalizer but were unable to generate another attempt before the final whistle.
THE TURNING POINT
Ave Maria created the separation it needed when Melton scored in the 82nd minute to extend the lead to 2-0.
Hardy answered from the penalty spot just 24 seconds later, but the Gyrenes protected their one-goal advantage over the closing minutes.
BY THE NUMBERS
13
Goals scored by Hardy this season.
6
Saves recorded by Wright.
7
Second-half shots for the Mighty Banyans.
24
Seconds between Ave Maria's second goal and Hardy's penalty-kick response.
4
NCF attempts placed on goal.
STAT LEADERS
Goal: Faith Hardy - 1
Shots: Chloe Nickell - 4; Faith Hardy - 3; Lea Scott - 1; Sarah Benjamin - 1
Shots on Goal: Chloe Nickell - 2; Faith Hardy - 1; Lea Scott - 1
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 2 goals allowed, 6 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will close the regular season at home Thursday against No. 21 SCAD. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
