LeiLanni Nesbeth and her Florida State University team-mates defeated Pitt 3-0 before a sold-out crowd at the Seminole Soccer Complex to advance to the NCAA Championship semi-finals.

After a goalless first half, the Seminoles scored three unanswered goals after the break of another physical encounter between the two teams to keep their title hopes alive.

Tournament top seeds Florida State finally made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute when midfielder Taylor Huff converted from the penalty spot after Pitt handled in the area.

Lightening then struck twice for No 7 seeds Pitt who conceded a second penalty six minutes later which former player Leah Pais dispatched after being brought down in the box to double the Seminole’s advantage.

Midfielder Onyi Echegini then put the game farther beyond Pitt’s reach after burying forward Jordynn Dudley’s rebound 59 seconds later for her 15th goal of the season that capped the hosts third win of the season over the opposition and more importantly secured their spot in the last four of the national competition.

Bermudian forward Nesbeth played 86 minutes of the match before being replaced with her team’s victory all but secured.

Florida State, who remain unbeaten this season and have yet to concede a goal in the NCAA Championship tournament, will meet the winner between Clemson and Penn State in the next round.

Florida State, who are gunning for a fourth national title, clinched their spot in the tournament after edging Clemson 2-1 to win the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship for the fourth straight time this month.