RALEIGH, N.C. -- For the second time in as many years, the Methodist women's soccer team will play for the USA South Tournament crown following a 1-0 win over Meredith on Friday afternoon at the Meredith Athletic Field.
 
The fourth-seeded Monarchs (13-6) knocked off the top-seeded Avenging Angels (14-5-1) on Capri Clark's goal in the 79th minute. Clark was at the top of the six-yard box when she took a pass from Amanda Hayes and was able to find enough room to beat Meredith's Jaisa Loch for the game's only goal.
 
The goal for Clark was fitting as she had a solid scoring chance on an open net early in the first half, but was unable to find the back of the net. The win for Methodist also avenged an earlier 1-0 loss to Meredith back on Oct. 14.
 
Taylor Ross made four saves in net for Methodist as the Monarchs outshot Meredith, 18-14, including a whopping 15-6 edge in shots on frame. Loch made 12 saves for the Avenging Angels.
 
Methodist had to fend off a furious charge from Meredith in the game's final minutes, turning away three shots from the Avenging Angels with under two minutes to play. Two of MC's efforts were blocked and never found their way to Ross, while the final shot was wide of the net with less than 10 seconds on the clock.
 
With the win, the Monarchs advance to Saturday's USA South Conference Final where they will take on the winner of the No. 3 Maryville vs. No. 2 Piedmont semifinal. Methodist dropped 1-0 decisions to both teams during the regular season. Game time for Saturday's final is set for 2:00 pm at Meredith College.