The Lady Bruins came up short of winning their 4th consecutive NCCAA DII Championship, losing a heart-breaker to Grace Christian University Tigers 2-1 in penalty kicks.
"Our team played a great game tonight but the final result didn't go our way," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "All the credit goes to Grace University, they executed their game plan and rightfully deserve the national championship."
The Bruins entered the national tournament with the #1 seed and won the semi-final match with a 3-0 victory over #4 seeded Randall University. The Tigers of Grace Christian University came into the tournament as the #3 seed but were able to upset #2 seeded Providence University College 4-2 in the semifinal. The two teams met in the 2016 national championship with the Bruins winning 2-0. The stage was set for a champion to be crowned at Alumni Stadium as the match began.
The Bruins dominated possession throughout the match, but in the first half the Tigers defense held strong. In the 19th minute, junior Maddie Brown gave the Tigers an early 1-0 lead after she launched a shot from outside the box, placing it perfectly over the outstretched arms of BJU goalkeeper Angelina Martin.
As the first half was coming to an end, senior Abby Davis nearly tied the score for the Lady Bruins. Davis fired a shot from outside the '18 that was perfectly on frame, but Tigers' goalkeeper Regan Befus was able to make a great diving save to preserve the 1-0 Grace lead heading into halftime.
"We did a great job of creating lots of scoring opportunities," Coach Carmichael said. "Grace's defense did a great job of containing us."
With their season on the line, the Lady Bruins came out attacking in the second half. In the 55th minute, BJU was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Junior defender Jennifer Townsend took the set piece and was able to soar it over the Tigers' goalkeeper to tie the score at 1-1.
Despite outshooting the Tigers 8-4 in the second half after outshooting them 14-2 in the first half. The Lady Bruins were unable to create another goal scoring chance, forcing the match into a golden goal extra time.
Throughout extra time, the Lady Bruins continued to dominate the battle of possession and created several scoring opportunities. Senior forward Abby Davis fired a left footed shot on goal but goalkeeper Regan Befus was there to make yet another clutch save. With neither team scoring, the national championship would be decided in penalty kicks.
After the first two rounds of the critical, nerve-wracking penalty shootout, both teams remained scoreless. In the third attempt for the Tigers, Elenrae Befus' PK sailed over the goal. But luckily for the Tigers, the official never blew the whistle so Befus was awarded a second attempt. This time, Befus was able to place the ball in the back of the net.
Bailey Martin was able to answer for the Lady Bruins, as she perfectly paced her PK in the corner of the net to even up the shootout score. After leading goal scorer Maddie Brown made her PK, the pressure was placed on junior Jennifer Townsend, who scored the lone goal for BJU in the match.
Unfortunately, Townsend's penalty kick was unsuccessful as it deflected off the post. The Tigers had a 2-1 advantage as the championship was on the line for Brandy Weaver to take the deciding PK for the Tigers. Weaver was able to deliver in the clutch for Grace, as her goal clinched the 2018 NCCAA DII National Championship for the Tigers.
"The season didn't end the way we wanted, but we have nothing to hang our heads about," Coach Carmichael said. "We've had lots of success these past few years. We fought until the very end and I am proud of our team."
With the loss, the Bruins finish the season with a 11-7-2 record. Though they were not crowned champions on the field, the team can be proud of their testimony and passion on and off the field this year. Over the last three seasons, these Bruins have been able to win three consecutive national championships. With many core returning players, the Bruins hope to reclaim their place atop NCCAA DII in 2019.
