Jade Montgomery earned SAC Tournament MVP honors, leading the Bulldogs to their second SAC Tournament title in three years while helping Wingate earn the top seed in this week’s NCAA Southeast Regionals. The Bulldogs will host a WSOC regional tournament for the first time in program history.
Montgomery had three goals and an assist in the tournament. In Tuesday’s quarterfinal, she drew the foul that led to the game-winning penalty kick to give Wingate a 1-0 victory. Montgomery had a goal and an assist Friday, including the game-winning goal in the 3-0 victory over Tusculum. She capped her week in style, scoring both goals in the championship game, leading Wingate to a 2-1 win. With the game tied 1-1 with a minute left, Montgomery found the back of the net to give the ‘Dogs the dramatic championship victory.
The 2012 first team All-American and SAC Female Athlete of the Year earned SAC Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. Montgomery leads the SAC with 16 goals, 10 assists and 42 points. She has 19 more points than anyone else in the conference, while also ranking seventh nationally in points, 10th in goals and 11th in assists. Montgomery’s game-winner in the SAC championship match was the 50th goal of her career.
Wingate is hosting this weekend’s NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament. The Bulldogs will take the field Sunday at 1 p.m., hosting the winner of Friday’s Clayton State vs. Columbus State match, which will be held at Wingate on Friday afternoon.