Women's Soccer by Jonny Gamet

Bruins Fall Short in NCCAA Regional Championship

Team hopes for the at large bid to qualify for NCCAA National Tournament after 2-1 loss to Clearwater


The Bruins women's soccer team faced Clearwater Christian College in a battle for the NCCAA DII South Regional Championship. The Bruins were coming off a 3-0 victory in the semi-final round over Toccoa Falls College. Clearwater had obliterated Johnson University of Florida 6-0 in the semi-finals to set the stage for these two powerhouse programs to face off in the championship game.

The Bruins and Cougars had met earlier in the season, but played to a 0-0 draw at Clearwater. The Cougars finished the regular season with the #1 seed in the NCCAA DII, while the Bruins were ranked #5 in the national poll. The wet conditions would play a factor for this championship game as the teams would have to overcome rain throughout the match. 

The Cougars took control early to start the match as they showed why they were the #1 team in the nation. The Bruins defense stood strong against the Cougars Tori Hale, the star forward for the Cougars, and kept the Clearwater offense at bay. The teams went back and forth trading possession with each looking to break into the scoring column first. 

In the 11th minute of action, the Bruins were called for a foul just outside the penalty box near the touch line. Hale took the free kick for the Cougars and sent a bending cross into the box which was headed into the net by Leah Zwiers to give the Cougars a 1-0. The Cougars went on the offensive attack again and looked to stretch their lead. Sarah Iwanowycz and Caitlyn Lehman stood strong for the Bruins defense to keep the Cougars out. 

In the 23rd minute of action, the Bruins got possession in the defensive third and quickly transitioned the ball up field to Jenn Wise who sent a through pass to Rebecca Luttrell for a breakaway opportunity. Luttrell placed the ball with a low hard shot in the opposite corner to draw the game even at 1-1. 

As the half was nearing its end, the Cougars caught a break on a broken defensive play by the Bruins as a Cougars cross landed right at the feet of Tori Hale and she buried a shot past Tori Anderson to put the Cougars up 2-1 at the half. 

"Work effort was strong all the way through and had solid possession," Coach Carmichael said. "We needed to have better communication with some of our plays but had to put that behind us and work hard in the second half." 

The Bruins came out strong in the opening minutes of the second half, as the team desperately looked for the equalizer. Spencer Martin and Isobel Johnston did a great job of controlling the midfield to get the ball up to the forwards for scoring opportunities. Rebecca Luttrell had two near goal opportunities and the Bruins hit the post twice in the second half. Still the score remained 2-1. 

As the clock began to near the end of the game, the Bruins put it all on the line sending every player on the field into the box trying to even the game. The Cougars defense cleared every offensive opportunity out of harm's way. With seconds remaining, the Bruins had two last-ditched efforts to score. The Bruins shot off a corner kicked sailed just wide, and the last shot by the Bruins hit the top corner of the crossbar and sailed out as the whistle blew to end the match. 

The Bruins fell just short as they lost 2-1 to Clearwater in the NCCAA DII Regional Championship. "The girls played a very passionate and solid game and fought hard all the way to the end," Coach Carmichael said. "We fell short today but I am proud of their effort. The foundation continues to get stronger for our program for the future."

With the loss, the Bruins end their season at 12-5-2. The team still may have a chance to go to the NCCAA national tournament if they receive the at-large bid. The NCCAA committee will meet to determine the seeding and the last tournament spot will be decided on as the "wild card" for the tournament. The Bruins have certainly put forth the work and have the resume to qualify for the tournament but the decision will be in the hands of the committee. 

Stay tuned to the Bruins website and social media accounts for the latest updates. Overall, the Bruins showed great improvement in their second season of intercollegiate competition. The team should be proud of their success this season, and more importantly the great testimony they were for the cause of Christ both on and off the field.  
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