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MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- The Captains led early in the 2012 USA South Championship game and then, after falling behind late, scored a game-tying goal with less than three minutes remaining in regulation, but would ultimately drop the title game to Averett University in overtime, 3-2.  The championship is the first for Averett women's soccer, who improves to 17-3 as CNU closes the 2012 season with a 12-9 overall mark. 

Emma O'Reilly tied the all-time mark for career goals in the game, scoring her 37th tally 23 minutes into the game to give CNU a first-half lead. Her 18th goal of the season also tied the single season record for goals; both marks are shared with Sam Ciaravino ('11). 

CNU held the 1-0 lead through halftime and nearly 25 minutes into the second half before Averett tied things up at one goal apiece. A penalty kick strike from Pernilla Milton evened the game, 1-1, in the 70th minute of action. Milton would temporarily give the Cougars the lead, 2-1, under eight minutes later. She scored an unassisted goal with just over 12 minutes on the clock as the top-seeded Cougars looked to close out the win.

The Captains would not go quietly, though, as senior Dani Gunderson knocked home one of the most clutch goals of her career. With 2:28 remaining in the game, Gunderson planted a shot into the back of the net to tie the game at two. CNU held a 9-6 advantage in shots in the first half, but Averett responded with a 12-9 edge in shots in the second half. 

In overtime, Averett's Mathilda Hansson ended the game in the 97th minute. Senior goalkeeper Meghan Gumbs made one of her eight saves in extra time, but Hansson's shot with 3:16 remaining in the first overtime period would seal Averett's first ever conference championship in women's soccer.

O'Reilly and Gunderson each wrapped up tremendous 2012 campaign in the win. O'Reilly's record-breaking season was paralleled by Gunderson's, who finished her season with a career-high 34 points on 14 goals and six assists. She was named to the USA South All-Tournament Team, and was joined by teammates Joy Piirto (D), Kelsey Thomas (D) and Chelsea Wolfe (MF). 

2012 USA South All Tournament Team
GK - Malin Borjesson, Averett
D - Joy Piirto, Christopher Newport
D - Taylor Ortman, Averett
D - Kelsey Thomas, Christopher Newport
MF - Dani Gunderson, Christopher Newport
MF - Chelsea Wolfe, Christopher Newport
MF - Sandra Johansson, Averett
MF - Mathilda Hansson, Averett
F - Ashley Howarth, Maryville
F - Taylor Brown, Meredith
F - Pernilla Milton, Averett (MVP)