Sebastian Sulik gave the Bruins the lead in the first half, but the Rams wouldn't allow senior night to be spoiled as Columbia International University scored four unanswered goals to win 4-1 on Tuesday night in Columbia, South Carolina.
"We struggled to have consistent quality play," Bruins Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "We could have had a much better result if we played the way we are capable of playing."
The Bruins came into the match on a high note after the team upset the #1 ranked Kentucky Christian University on Saturday 3-0. The win was the second over a top-ranked NCCAA DII opponent, giving the Bruins the #1 ranking in the standings this week. The Rams came into the match at 7-5, but were looking for a win as they had dropped two straight. The hometown fans were out in full voice to support the three seniors on the Rams' squad this season.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins came out strong as they were able to execute crisp passing and keep possession. It didn't take long for the Bruins to score the first goal of the contest as Sebastian Sulik put the Bruins on top with a goal off an assist from Jesse Rush to make it 1-0.
The Rams were taken back, but responded nicely just ten minutes later as Victor Maron scored in the 17th minute of play to tie the game 1-1. Just minutes later, the Rams would take the lead behind a goal by Marcos da Paz. The Bruins tried to find the answer but the half ended with BJU trailing CIU 2-1.
As the second half began, it was the Rams who came out strong from the opening kickoff. Less than three minutes into the half, senior Doran Battermann scored to increase the Rams' lead 3-1. Battermann wouldn't be denied his spotlight on senior night as he notched another goal just before the final whistle as the Rams coasted to a 4-1 victory.
With the loss, the Bruins fall to 4-9-1 on the season. The team was out shot by the Rams 22-5 in the match including a 13-3 on-goal margin. Sebastian Sulik recorded his third goal of the season while Jesse Rush picked up his 4th assist. Bruins' keeper Isaac Landry made 9 saves on the night against a tough Rams offense.
Next up, the Bruins will be on the road again on Saturday as the team travels to Knoxville, Tennessee for a matchup with Johnson University.
