Senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Hardie (Summerfield, N.C.) was named the SAC Tournament MVP, leading the Bulldogs to their second straight SAC Tournament title and third in four years. Hardie was also named the Disney Soccer/NSCAA National Player of the Week on Tuesday.
The second team All-SAC selection registered two shutouts in the three matches, allowing just one goal in over 290 minutes of action. Hardie had four saves in the 1-0 overtime win against Queens in the quarterfinals, while piling up a season-high nine saves in Friday night's 1-0 victory against Newberry in the semifinals. She had seven saves in 110 minutes of action against Lenoir-Rhyne, then stepped it up even more in penalty kicks.
Hardie capped her week in style, stopping all three Lenoir-Rhyne shots in penalty kicks to give the Bulldogs their third SAC Tournament championship. After Kaitlyn Brunworth (Littleton, Colo.) made the first PK for Wingate, Leah Mullins attempted to tie it for Lenoir-Rhyne. She tried to line a low one to the right, but Hardie made the diving stop. Montgomery then gave the 'Dogs a 2-0 lead. Dylan Bedell went second for LRU. She tried to go to the upper left corner, but Hardie made another incredible save to make it 2-0. Sophomore Brooke Howell (Charlotte, N.C.) put Wingate on top 3-0 with her PK. EmmiDunn was the final kicker for the Bears. She lined one to the right, but once again Hardie denied it, giving the Bulldogs the title.
Hardie ranks second in the SAC and 21st nationally with a .511 goals-against average. The senior ranks third in SAC history in career goals-against average. She has helped the Bulldogs pile up 12 shutouts this season. Hardie has allowed just nine goals in 1,583 minutes of action this season, registering a .871 save percentage.
