CUTHBERT, Ga. – On Monday, Oct. 26, the Fighting Tigers played their final match of the 2026 season against No. 11 William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss. Monday's match was rescheduled due to Tropical Storm Isaias.
Unfortunately, the Fighting Tigers fell to the Crusaders, 20-1, bringing their inaugural NAIA season to a close. The Lady Tigers finished the season with an 0-13-1 overall record and were unable to pick up a conference victory, finishing 0-12-1 in Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) play.
Last Game Review vs. No. 11 William Carey (Miss.)
In their final match against William Carey, the Fighting Tigers once again struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Andrew was outshot 60-2 on the day, with 41 of William Carey's 60 shots coming on goal, highlighting the challenge of facing the No. 11-ranked team in the country.
Both of Andrew's shots came from Alyssa Wilkes, who also put the Fighting Tigers on the board with an impressive strike from distance, giving Andrew its first goal since Oct. 17 against Faulkner.
Despite the loss, Andrew recorded 21 saves behind a strong effort in front of the net from Millie Wilson and Samantha Ray.
This Season on the Pitch
Heading into the 2026 season, the Lady Tigers knew they would be competing in one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA, and they were thrust into the heat of competition.
Unfortunately for Andrew, the team was never able to consistently find its offensive footing. Across 14 matches this season, Andrew scored three goals, each coming in a different match.
After scoring in the opening minutes of their first match against Talladega College, which gave the Lady Tigers their only lead of the season, Andrew was held scoreless for its next nine matches before Natalya Riden found the back of the net in a 7-1 loss against Faulkner.
Despite the challenges of their inaugural NAIA campaign, the Fighting Tigers continued to compete throughout the season, gaining valuable experience against nationally ranked opponents and established conference programs.
Season Highlights
Despite their record, the Fighting Tigers had several individual highlights throughout the season:
Loren Hill scored Andrew's first goal of the season in the opening minutes against Talladega College, giving the Lady Tigers their first and only lead of the year.
Natalya Riden found the back of the net against Faulkner on Oct. 17, scoring her first goal as a member of the Lady Tigers.
Alyssa Wilkes scored on a free kick against No. 11 William Carey in the season finale, giving Andrew a goal in its final match of the regular season.
Millie Wilson earned SSAC Defensive Player of the Week honors after stepping in at goalkeeper and recording 23 saves while allowing just one goal over two starts. She also earned her first clean sheet of the season in Andrew's scoreless draw against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Sept. 25.
Located in Cuthbert, Georgia, Andrew College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 18 sports and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference.
