Pitt women’s soccer team made more history Sunday night, earning its first Elite Eight berth with a 3-0 victory against Memphis in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in Fayetteville, Ark.
Next up for the Panthers will be a date with No. 1 Florida State at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Tallahassee, Fla. The winner advances to the College Cup.
In only its second Sweet 16 appearance in program history, Pitt (17-5-1) broke a scoreless tie in the second half with goals from junior Keera Melenhorst and freshmen Deborah Abiodun and Aliya Gomes.
Melenhorst scored after taking a corner kick from Sarah Schupansky. Abiodun recorded her fifth goal of the season, with an assist from Samiah Phiri. Gomes’ first career goal secured the victory in the 87th minute.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ellie Breech tied her single-game career high with seven saves.
Phiri, Ellie Coffield, Schupansky and Amanda West each recorded two shots in the first half, but none crossed the goal line.
Pitt ended the game with an edge in shots (19-13), shots on goal (10-7) and corner kicks (7-6) while handing Memphis only its second defeat this season in 22 matches.
