An early goal by graduate student Macy Clem, her first of the season, gave Alabama soccer an early lead it wouldn’t relinquish on Friday night. The Crimson Tide eventually beat Western Carolina, 2-0, in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Clem’s score came in the 11th minute of play. Defender Marianna Annest sent in a cross that Clem tracked and hit near the penalty spot, sending it past the goalie’s right. Senior forward Itala Gemlli added a second goal, unassisted, in the 82nd minute. It was a rainy night in Tuscaloosa, but Alabama’s supporters huddled in the stands as the Tide picked up another postseason win under coach Wes Hart.

The Crimson Tide outshot the Catamounts, 16-8, and forced seven saves of all-Southern Conference goalie Leanne Trudel. Meanwhile, UA’s Coralie Lallier had to stop just four shots. UA also had fewer fouls (12 to five) and more corners (one to six).

Alabama improved to 11-4-5 and recorded its first win since Oct. 26 at Missouri.

Alabama shut down Isabella DeMarco with no shots. DeMarco had been SoCon’s 2023 player of the year, tallying 10 goals and seven assists as a sophomore forward. The Catamounts had won its conference tournament to secure a bid.

Hart brought Alabama to its fourth tournament appearance since 2015. In 2022, Hart led UA to its first-ever College Cup. The Tide entered this year’s tournament as the No. 24 team in the country and a five-seed.

Alabama will travel to 3-seed North Carolina, who beat Towson, 3-1, in the second round next weekend. The Tarheels are tied 51st nationally with 1.95 goals per game. Alabama is tied at 126th (1.5 goals per game).