FOLEY, Ala. – A four-year starter for App State Soccer, Olivia Simon delivered a signature moment for the Mountaineers at the Sun Belt Tournament on Monday. In her 73^rd career match, Simon headed home the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the third-seeded Mountaineers to a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded Louisiana.
 
The victory marks the first tournament win for the Mountaineers (12-3-4) in the Aimee Haywood era and continues the team's historic season by advancing App State to the Sun Belt semifinals for the first time since 2016. App State's 12^thvictory of the season ties the 2003 team for the most in program history.
 
The goal came in the 97^th minute of play. On a free kick from just beyond midfield, sophomore Maddie Williams drove a low line-drive service into the middle of the box. The pass was perfect. Simon hardly had to move her feet. She just tilted her head to the side to redirect the ball inside the left post for the golden goal.
 
The goal was Simon's fourth of the season and 13^th of her career. Williams collected her third assist of the season and led the defense to its 11^th clean sheet of the year. Goalkeeper Hanna Skogsfors saved the lone shot she faced to earn her ninth clean sheet of the season, setting the App State single-season record. 
 
In a defensive battle, Simon's goal was the best scoring chance for either team after regulation finished with just one shot on goal a side. Louisiana (11-6-3) held the lead in shots (8-5) and corner kicks (4-2) but the grittiness of the Mountaineers' back line was the difference.
 
Williams, Lucy Harrington, Aleesia Ambrosio and Taylor Duff played all 97 minutes. 
 
Mountaineers will face the winner of second-seeded Old Dominion and seventh-seeded Marshall on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET.
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