The Bruins soccer team scored four first half goals as the team shutout #7 Randall University 7-0 in the semifinal round of the NCCAA DII National Tournament. With the win, the Bruins advance to their fifth straight national championship game.
"The team played very well and couldn't be happier with a total team effort," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Every single player contributed to our success and I am very proud of their continued hard work on the field."
The Bruins came into the tournament as the top-ranked team after winning their fifth straight DII South Region Championship. The Bruins would meet the Saints for the fourth straight season in the semifinals with BJU shutting out Randall in each of the previous three matchups.
From the opening kickoff, the Bruins came out strong as they possessed the ball well and created lanes to score. It didn't take the Bruins long to find the back of the net as Jenna Bishop fed Kayle Stevenson who scored to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
The Bruins came right back as they continued to pressure the Saints and get shots on goal and corner kick opportunities. In the 22nd minute of play, Brinkley Adams extended the Bruins lead with a goal to make it 2-0.
Before the end of the half, a goal by Hannah Guerrant and a beautiful headed goal by Jessica Peterson gave the Bruins a 4-0 lead at the half. The Bruins out shot the Saint 17-1 in the half while controlling possession for a majority of the half.
As the second half began, the Bruins again came out with urgency and good offensive pace as they created early opportunities to score. Mikayla Rajcan put the Bruins up 5-0 just over six minutes into the second half with a goal to increase the lead. Minutes later, freshman Emma Snow added to the score as her goal put the Bruins up 6-0.
Hannah Guerrant added her second goal of the contest in the 61st minute as the Bruins continued to control the pace and possession of the game. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins had earned another trip to the national title game with a 7-0 shutout of the Saints.
"We came in with high expectations and a lot of confidence," Bruins midfielder Jessica Peterson said. "We played really well and hit some great shots. We are pumped for the championship game tomorrow."
Hannah Guerrant led the Bruins with 2 goals in the match while Kayle Stevenson finished with one goal and two assists. The Bruins will play in their fifth straight NCCAA DII National Championship game on Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida.
