The Piedmont Women’s soccer team made their name known as they finished the 2022 season as the first-ever Collegiate Conference of the South champions. 

The Lady Lions faced Maryville College in the CCS final on Nov. 5. Previously, the team played the Scotts in regular season play and came out with a 3-0 win. The Scotts however came to the championship with the desire to win. The game ended 0-0 even after overtime. The two teams were then forced to go into penalty kicks after a scoreless match. With some incredible saves by sophomore goalkeeper, Haylee Dornan, the Lady Lions found themselves with the championship title. 

“Being the first team to win the CCS championship is huge for us,” says senior and two-time captain, Kaity Hemperly. “When the season started we set goals as a team, and one was to win the tournament and make history and we did just that. It truly is something that will be unforgettable for the team and the conference.”

Piedmont’s women’s soccer team held an overall record of 12-6-3 and a conference record of 6-1-1. The team dominated the season with a total of 38 goals, averaging 1.81 goals a game. 

“The fact that we won the Championship at home with our family and friends made it that much sweeter,” says junior and captain Elissa Lotter. “We left the program better than we found it and I know we can do the same next season!”

Hemperly has totaled 2928 minutes on the field as a Lady Lion and will surely be missed by the team. She played in 50 contests and was a top shooter for the team by taking 76 career shots on goal. 

“Leaving the team is incredibly bittersweet,” says Hemperly. “Being able to graduate leaving on such a high note feels like I can close this chapter and feel good about it. I know I will see all my teammates again outside of Piedmont which is what makes leaving easier, and I can’t wait to see what the team can do next year.”

The CCS win gave the Lady Lions the opportunity to compete in the NCAA National Tournament. The team was selected to play in the first round against Emory University who is ranked #18. Piedmont played Emory in regular season play and lost 0-1. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Lady Lions fell to Emory 0-7, knocking them out of the tournament.

The Lady Lions will look to return to the top of the conference next season and hopefully get another chance to prove themselves in the NCAA tournament.