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BROWNS SUMMIT, NC – Chowan University has secured the opportunity to defend its 2023 Conference Carolinas soccer title by advancing to the 2024 league title game.

The Hawks, the top seed in the conference’s post-season tournament, reserved their spot in the championship matchup by defeating fifth-seeded Young Harris, 3-2, in Friday’s semifinals.

Chowan (9-4-3 overall) will meet #3 Francis Marion at 4 p.m. today (Sunday) for the league’s title.

On Friday, the Hawks opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Junior Smith netted his 14th goal of the season, finishing off a perfectly placed pass from Robbie Deighan.

The Mountain Lions answered after setting up a corner in the 28th minute. Young Harris’ Jamie Lapsley fired a 9-yard shot through traffic to equalize the match at 1-1.

Sam Deacon put the Hawks back on top 2-1 with a left-footed strike from 15 yards out in the 30th minute.

That score remained at the halftime break.

The Hawks came out strong after halftime with a quick strike just under two minutes into second half play. Matty Doyle headed in a goal off a free kick from Charley Leech, extending Chowan’s lead to 3-1.

The Mountain Lions responded in the 59th minute with a second goal by Lapsley to cut into the Hawks lead.

Chase Jansen picked up the win in frame for Chowan. Last year’s tournament MVP recorded three saves in the match.

The Hawks fired off 10 shots in the match to Young Harris’ 9. The Mountain Lions posted eight corners compared to two by the Hawks.