Two teams. One game. One title. The story of Bob Jones University and Clearwater Christian College was something you would expect to see in a Hollywood movie. The two teams had met twice earlier this season. The Bruins tied Clearwater in the regular season, and suffered a tough 2-1 loss in the regional championship.
After winning the at-large bid to play in the national tournament, the Bruins looked to prove they belonged among the best as they defeated the #1 ranked Providence University College 4-0 in the opening round. They followed it up with a 2-0 victory over Ohio Christian University to set up a rematch with the defending national champion Cougars. Clearwater had run through their grouping with victories over Cairn University and Maranatha Baptist Bible College. The two teams both had not been scored upon all tournament and the two powerhouse programs were set to do battle for the NCCAA DII National Championship.
From the opening kickoff, both teams came out slow with the nerves being a factor in such a monumental game. The Bruins were able to possess well in the opening minutes, and the Bruins defense kept Clearwater's star forward Tori Hale in check throughout the first half. On offense, the Bruins tried to open lanes for Rebecca Luttrell, but the Cougars were ready and cleared out many offensive attacks. The Bruins recorded the first shot of the match in the 36th minute when Rebecca Luttrell sent a free kick opportunity off the crossbar. Both teams exchanged open looks, but the Cougars and Bruins were locked 0-0 at the half. Both teams were even at 4 shots a piece.
"We knew in order to win it all we had to beat the best, and Clearwater is such a great opponent," Coach Carmichael said. "We knew this was not going to be a high scoring game and was going to come down to one play. We stressed that we needed to stay smart in the second half and keep possessing."
In the second half, the rain began to come down harder causing the wet conditions to affect both teams' ability to move the ball. The Cougars and Bruins each had trouble possessing as a majority of the match was played in the midfield. The Bruins had several great shots from Jenn Wise and Rebecca Luttrell but the match remained scoreless. In the 76th minute of the match, Rebecca Luttrell received the ball just in front of the Cougars defense. She was guarded by three separate defenders and looked to make a move to get by. Luttrell squeaked through the defenders and beat the goalkeeper with a well-placed shot to put the Bruins on the board 1-0.
From there, the Bruins switched up their tactical strategy to protect the lead. Even in their defensive mindset, the Bruins still kept the ball in the attacking third. Time slowly continued to click down bringing the Bruins that much closer to victory. Sensing the urgency, the Cougars attacked the Bruins net trying everything they could to get the equalizer. Tori Anderson made two very good saves down the stretch to keep the clean sheet intact.
As the countdown began, the Bruins players realized they were a part of history. The final buzzer secured the first national championship in Bruins' history with a 1-0 victory over Clearwater Christian College. "It hasn't really set in yet," Coach Carmichael said. "I am so proud of this team and what they did this year. They really exemplified what a Christian athlete should look like and they have been such a great testimony these last two years."
The Bruins finish the season at 15-5-2. The Bruins were not scored on the entire national tournament as they outscored their three opponents 7-0. Sarah Iwanowycz, Rebecca Luttrell, Spencer Martin and Tori Anderson were named to the All-Tournament team. Tori Anderson was named the Defensive Player of the Tournament, and Rebecca Luttrell was named tournament MVP.
As the Bruins close the book on the 2013 season, there will be many memories of this special year. The team has overcome tremendous odds and has done so through consistent dedication and hard work, always looking to improve and overcome. Though the team will leave this field as champions, it was their testimony for Christ that will live on for years to come. These Bruins will always be our first National Champions!
