LeiLanni Nesbeth and her Florida State University team-mates are headed back to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship final.

The champions and No 1 seeds secured their spot in the championship match courtesy of a hard-fought 2-0 win over Pittsburgh in the semi-final at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, on Thursday night.

“Obviously, I’m very pleased about the win and it was definitely a tough game against a really good team,” Nesbeth told The Royal Gazette. “We knew it was going to be a battle, but we’re very pleased to be playing in the championship game on Sunday.”

The Seminoles, who are gunning for a fourth consecutive ACC Championship title, dominated possession in the first half and went close to scoring when midfielder Onyi Echegini struck the bar and forward Jordynn Dudley dragged a shot just wide, but were unable to penetrate the Panthers defence.

Pittsburgh created two chances early in the second half, but the Seminoles defence held firm. After weathering the storm, Florida State finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with Nesbeth involved in the build up to her team’s opening goal.

The Bermudian released fellow forward Jody Brown whose cross in the box was headed home by Dudley.

Forward Beata Olsson then doubled the Seminoles’ advantage five minutes later after bundling in midfielder Taylor Huff’s corner to put the game farther beyond Pittsburgh’s reach.

“We had some players step up in some big ways,” Nesbeth added. “Our defence was quality.

“Roque [goalkeeper Cristina Roque] made some big plays to keep us in the game and obviously, some quality goals from some quality players.”

Nesbeth and her fellow team-mates will now face No 7 seeds Clemson in the final at the same venue on Sunday.

“Clemson’s a solid team and have some dangerous players who can punish you in the attack if you don’t respect them,” she said. “So just like with Pittsburgh, it’s important we give credit where it’s due; manage their threats and look at continuing to stay buttoned up defensively while also ensuring we’re playing our game, especially on the attacking side.”

Florida State came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Clemson 4-2 in the previous meeting between the two schools on September 15.

The Seminoles, who are unbeaten this season, are gunning for an impressive double having already secured the ACC regular season title.

Earlier this week school senior Nesbeth was recognised by the ACC for her contributions on the pitch during the regular season after being named to the All-ACC Second Team.

The national women’s team player scored two goals, had four assists and also played a key role in her team’s defence.

“It’s always a nice feeling to get noticed, especially in this league,” Nesbeth added. “It feels really good and I’m honoured wholeheartedly.

“But obviously I play a team sport with 20 other team-mates and everyone has a role to play. And it’s important we’re all just here working for each other, especially at this stage of the season.

“I am just looking forward to helping my team win – to contribute in any way I can and hopefully, to celebrate with them in the near future, because winning with the team always feels a lot better than any individual accolade.”