NCAA Soccer: One player from each team to watch in the College Cup

The semifinals of the College Cup are set, with four teams set to face off for two spots in the championship game.

No. 1 Florida State will take on No. 2 North Carolina while No. 1 Alabama will face off against No. 1 UCLA following a close set of matchups in the Elite Eight.

Just Women’s Sports has one player from each team to watch as the tournament continues.  

Florida State – Jenna Nighswonger

An own-goal helped Florida State to its 13th College Cup appearance, but Jenna Nighswonger was all over the field.

The senior had a game-high three shots on goal, and her corner kick was the one that resulted in the Arkansas own-goal to send FSU to the semifinals.

53' | GOOOOAAAALLLLLL

A Jenna corner kick results in an own goal! #OneTribe

📺: ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/LHfPAFVYJY

— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) November 26, 2022

One of the key pieces of the Florida State attack, she had 16 assists this season and won ACC tournament MVP. She’ll likely continue to prove instrumental as Florida State looks to win back-to-back titles.

North Carolina – Talia Dellaperuta/Ally Sentnor

Both Talia Dellaperuta and Ally Sentnor showed up big for North Carolina in the Elite Eight.

Each player recorded four shots – including two shots on goal – and a goal in UNC’s 2-0 win over Notre Dame.

Libby Moore with the laser off the crossbar, Ally Sentnor right place right time for the header!!

📺 https://t.co/IweHYvJbvk pic.twitter.com/9C91yXcG1f

— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) November 26, 2022

Dellaperuta was particularly effective in shutting down the Irish midfield, helping the Tar Heels to their 30th college cup appearance. 

Alabama – Ashlynn Serepca

Alabama will be making its first College Cup appearance thanks in part to Ashlynn Serepca.

The transfer from Virginia has had a major impact on the Crimson Tide since joining the team last season. After leading the team in points (13) last season, she’s increased her total this season to 22 (10 G, 2 A). She continued that prowess in the team’s Elite Eight matchup against Duke, recording a goal and an assist.

UCLA – Sofia Cook

After teammate Sunshine Fontes scored UCLA’s first goal of the game, Sofia Cook was subbed on to the midfield and proved herself to be instrumental for UCLA.

While this Bruins team has a number of talents, Cook scored the game-winning goal in overtime to send UCLA to the College Cup in Margueritte Aozasa’s first year at the helm of the program. Cook managed two shots on goal – including the all-important game winner in the 98th minute.

Sofia Cook was built for this moment 😤#NCAASoccer x 🎥 @UCLAWSoccer pic.twitter.com/1XMONX88e4

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 27, 2022