VALDOSTA, Ga. - Facing a do-or-die situation in the first round of the NCAA South Regional Tournament in Winter Park, Fla. on Friday night, the Valdosta State soccer team pulled off a thrilling 1-0 victory in double overtime to defeat Christian Brothers and advance to the semifinal round on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m..

The match was a defensive struggle from the outset, and the Blazers (12-6-2) fired off just three shots in the first half against the Lady Bucs' (13-6-0) seven. The tables turned in the second period, however, and VSU turned up the offensive pressure with nine shots against only three attempts by CBU.

"I'm so proud of these young ladies," said Head Coach Rebecca Nolin, who continues to add to her storied first season as a head coach in the collegiate ranks. "The want they possess and the belief they have in each other is just fantastic. We knew it was a win or go home game and we really didn't want to go home. We had to adjust after the first half and I think we did a better job of playing our game in the second half."

Neither team was able to break through in regulation, but Erin Hill sent Blazer Nation into a frenzy in the 107th minute when she used a through ball from Malin Hegeler to send the game-winner. The golden goal marked the first of the season by Hill and helped the Blazers claim the first NCAA Tournament win in the history of the program.

Coach Nolin continued following the victory, "We created some good chances to take the game, but their keeper had two brilliant saves. We finally got the breakthrough with the goal from Erin. This was a great result tonight that we will enjoy and cherish for a very long time."

Senior keeper Olivia Mills racked up four saves in the contest to help lead the Blazer defense to yet another shutout victory. The shutout marks the seventh of the season for the Blazers and the second straight game in which the team has not allowed a goal.

Valdosta State will have a short time to rest on Saturday before turning their attention to the top seeded Rollins Tars on Sunday afternoon. The winner of Sunday's regional semifinal matchup will advance to a field of 16 in the National Tournament bracket to compete for the South Regional Championship. Stay tuned to www.vstateblazers.com to follow the Valdosta State Blazers and their 12 seniors, as they continue their 2014 postseason run.