SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Junior midfielder Josie Beezel (Woodsboro, Md./Linganore) scored on a pass from sophomore midfielder Annabelle Wunderlich (Red Lion, Pa./Dallastown Area) at the 73:07 mark to lift Shepherd (18-1-4)  to a 1-0 win over Gannon (16-2-4) in the finals of the NCAA II Women's Soccer Atlantic Regionals at Shepherd on Sunday afternoon.

"What a fantastic win today from the team," said Shepherd head coach Sam Odell. "Gannon brought a unique game plan which we adapted to well throughout the game. Despite lots of adversity, we battled through and still played our game, despite all the factors presented to throw us off our possession-based style."

"We knew it would take a moment of quality to beat a tough opponent. Despite us not being able to capitalize on a pair of opportunities in the first half, Josie kept her calm in the moment and slotted it away to give us the lead. I think the better team won today, but credit to Gannon for a fantastic season and a great game."

"I'm really proud of the group and now we are one step closer to our goals of being national champions, three games to go!"

Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Wilt (Saint Leonard, Md./Calvert) recorded a career-high 11 saves for the Rams. Morgan Sinan (3) and Olivia Rosenberger (3) teamed to record six saves for Gannon. Wilt made three saves after Beezel's go-ahead goal to seal the win for the Rams.

Gannon had a 16-11 advantage in shots with an 11-7 edge in shots on goal. The Golden Knights had a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Shepherd advances the Elite Eight to travel to face Franklin Pierce, who advanced on penalty kicks in their game against Jefferson, on Saturday, Dec. 7. More details to be provided when they become available.