For the first time in program history, the Georgia Southern women’s soccer program advanced to the Sun Belt Conference championship game.

However, after a 1-0 loss to South Alabama, the team must wait longer before they claim their first championship.

GS looked outmatched against the two-seeded Jaguars from the start, but the Eagle defense held strong and escaped with a blank sheet in the first 45 minutes.

The Eagles nearly took the lead just 12 seconds into the second half, but senior midfielder Vala Kristin Theodorsdottir’s header missed off the crossbar.

In the 57th minute, USA midfielder and Sun Belt Player of the Year Gracie Wilson curled in a goal from deep for the game’s only point.

GS had two more real chances to even up, but both chances failed to end with an equalizing score.

“We gave it all we had and came up a little bit short today in the final,” said head coach Chris Adams. “I believe our team should hold our heads high! This group has battled all year long and done everything that is asked of them.”