FLORENCE, Ala. – Chloe Richards scored in the 17^th minute and the University of North Alabama defense recorded its seventh shutout of the season as the Lions downed West Alabama 1-0 to advance to the Gulf South Conference Championship match on Sunday.
 
With the win, UNA is now 15-2-1 and will meet Lee at 1 p.m. Sunday at the UNA Soccer Field to determine the GSC Tournament champion. Lee defeated West Florida 4-3 on penalty kicks in the other semifinal after the two teams played to a 3-3 tie through regulation play and two overtimes.
 
Richards NCAA Division II leading 30^th goal of the season came at the 16:49 mark off an assist from Beatriz Fernandes. That would prove to be the only score of the match, even though the Lions out-shot West Alabama 19-4.
 
UNA goalkeeper Shelby Thornton recorded one save, while West Alabama's Issy Foster had six.
 
North Alabama, the GSC regular season champion, is trying to win its second GSC tournament title.