DAYTONA BEACH – There's something about forward Lovelie Pierre and match-winning goals to beat Region 8 opponents. Pierre further etched her name into Polk State Soccer lore with the decisive goal to lift the Eagles to a 1-0 victory over No. 20 Daytona State College in Sunday night's Region 8 Championship.

With a full head of steam, Pierre headed in a long pass from Jillian Johnson to break the scoreless tie in the 68th minute. The assist was Johnson's nation-leading 21st of the year. Pierre previously scored match-winners in the second half against then No. 1 Eastern Florida State College on Oct. 12 and Daytona State on Oct. 19.

"I'm so happy, because as a freshman, I did the best I could for the group," Pierre said. "It wasn't easy for us, but this is what I wanted for the team. This is the best thing ever for me."

The 16 victories for the No. 10 Eagles (16-1) are the second-most in a season in program history. Prior to Sunday night, Polk State had not won a regional championship since 2009.

"Ultimately, I'm just so proud of this group for the effort they put on the field, for all that they did create – for the patience, for the persistence, for the determination," Head Coach Jess Belli said. "It's really special what this group has done this year and I'm really excited for the first round of nationals."

When Belli took over at Polk State prior to the 2020 season, the Eagles were coming off an 0-9-1 season and had not finished with a winning record since 2014. With Sunday's victory, Polk State now has a 36-8-1 in her three seasons.

"One of the greatest things about soccer is that it's a team sport," Belli said. "I take that in coaching as well. There was not one thing I did by myself, and I could not be more happy that we were able to turn it around for our five third-year sophomores to reap the benefits of what they helped create."

The No. 3 seed in the Region 8 Tournament, Daytona State upset No. 2 Eastern Florida State on Friday night to earn the opportunity to play the district championship on its home field. The Falcons had opportunities on Sunday night, but the contest was largely dominated by top-seeded Polk State.

"I knew the stakes were super high," said Emma Parrish, a sophomore defender and one of Sunday night's standouts. "I just had to come in and show them what I had. I think our communication was on point. I think we all just came together as a team and got the win. I have no words; it's incredible."

Polk State finished with 19 shots and 11 on goal to 14 shots and nine on goal for the Falcons. Goalkeeper Sophia Nicholls came up with seven saves, including a critical diving stop late in the contest for the Eagles.

"Our backs and our goalkeepers have done such a great job this year," Belli said. "It's been a really good defensive year."

It was the Falcons who ended Polk State's season in the Region 8 semifinals last season by a 2-1 score in overtime. Entering this season, the Eagles had never defeated Daytona State on the Falcons' home field. Polk State took all three meetings with the Falcons this season, including two in Daytona Beach. Polk State won 5-2 in its first visit to Daytona Beach on Oct. 8 before a pair of 1-0 contests –one in Lakeland and one on Sunday – decided by Pierre match-winners.

With the victory, Polk State will visit Spartanburg Methodist for the South Atlantic District championship on Saturday. The Eagles defeated the Pioneers 8-0 when they met earlier this month in Charleston, S.C. It will also be the first national NJCAA Tournament match for the Eagles in 13 years.