Greeneville, Tenn.----Freshman Tramicka James (Wilson, N.C.) scored the match-winning goal in the 86th minute to lead the number 22 Tusculum College women’s soccer team to a 2-1 South Atlantic Conference triumph over Wingate University Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Field.

With the victory, the home-standing Pioneers (13-3-1, 6-1 SAC, 18 points) move into sole possession of first place in the conference with only one league match left to play. Wingate is 10-3-3 overall and 3-3-1 in the SAC.

James fired a shot from five yards out that squeezed between the near post and Wingate keeper Miriam Boucher (Calgary, Alberta) at the 85:55 mark of the contest. For James, it was her 10th goal of the season. She was assisted by classmates Kourtney Kavic (Oakville, Ontario) and Kayla Durden (Taylor Mill, Ky.).

Following a scoreless first half, Tusculum got on the board first when junior Courtney Turner (Cocoa Beach, Fla.) dribbled past the keeper and found the back of the net for her second scoring tally of the season.

The TC lead would not hold up as Wingate sophomore Liz Kinney (Moore, S.C.) blasted a one-timer from junior Kerstin Williams (Summerville, S.C.) to the far post that found the upper 90 of the net to even the match at 1-1 in the 62nd minute. For Kinney, it was her eighth goal of the year.

Wingate outshot Tusculum 15-9 in the match, including a 12-2 advantage in shots on goal. TC freshman keeper Marjaana Kaaresvirta (Turka, Finland) was solid in goal as she finished with 11 saves on the day. Both Kaaresvirta and Boucher went the distance Saturday.

Tusculum will step out of league play on Wednesday night as the Pioneers host Tennessee Wesleyan College for Senior Night at Pioneer Field. The match is slated to kickoff at 7 p.m. Wingate hosts SAC foe Lincoln Memorial University Saturday at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs will celebrate Senior Day Saturday (Wingate fans should note the Oct. 28 match at Anderson University has been cancelled).