NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — #1 Lipscomb dominated #4 Queens (NC) with a 2-0 victory Thursday in the 2025 ASUN Championship match, controlling possession and limiting the visitors to just five shots on goal. The Bisons' defense proved suffocating throughout, while their attack found the breakthrough twice in the second half to secure a commanding performance in front of a strong home crowd.
Skylar Cole opened the scoring in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked sequence that saw Bella Carapazza and Lucy Hurst combine to set up the goal. Cole's finish gave Lipscomb the lead they'd been threatening to establish all match. Carapazza then sealed the result in the 76th minute with a clinical finish, assisted by Chloe Iliff, putting the game beyond reach and capping a dominant display from the top-seeded Bisons.
The first half belonged entirely to Lipscomb, which peppered the Queens (NC) goal with chances but couldn't find the breakthrough. Hailey Johnson and Tatum Ahlemeyer tested the visitors' defense repeatedly, while Maddy Rhodes and Lucy Hurst added pressure from the flanks. Queens (NC) managed to stay organized defensively despite sustained pressure, though they offered little going forward and rarely threatened Lipscomb's goalkeeper.
After the interval, Lipscomb emerged with renewed intensity and quickly broke through. The Bisons controlled the tempo and territory, forcing Queens (NC) into a reactive posture. Despite some late substitutions designed to inject fresh legs into their lineup, the fourth-seeded Royals couldn't generate meaningful attacking opportunities. Juliana Hunter and McKayla Budion attempted to spark something for the visitors, but Lipscomb's backline remained resolute.
Statistically, the gap between the teams was stark. Lipscomb fired 20 shots compared to Queens (NC)'s 12, with the home side converting two of their six shots on goal. The Bisons also dominated set pieces, earning nine corner kicks to none for the visitors. Lipscomb's goalkeeper made five saves while Queens (NC)'s keeper recorded four stops in a losing effort.
Cole's performance in the attacking third was particularly influential for Lipscomb, while Carapazza's composure in front of goal proved decisive. For Queens (NC), the defensive unit worked tirelessly but ultimately couldn't withstand the relentless pressure from a superior opponent. Lauren Bennett and Chloe Iliff anchored Lipscomb's defense effectively throughout the 90 minutes.
The result extends Lipscomb's dominance in conference play and strengthens their tournament credentials heading into the postseason. The Bisons, now 12-5-2 overall, bounced back impressively after consecutive losses to Bellarmine and Eastern Kentucky. Queens (NC), meanwhile, drops to 3-11-5 after failing to capitalize on any scoring opportunities against the nation's top-ranked team.
Lipscomb continues its ASUN Championship campaign with momentum firmly on their side, having dismantled a ranked opponent with clinical efficiency. Queens (NC) will look to regroup and salvage their tournament hopes in upcoming matches, though this performance highlighted the gap between the conference's elite and the rest of the field.