The Bruins and Pioneers both score one in the second half but couldn't get any more and finish with a 1-1 draw in the last game at Alumni Stadium this season.
"I thought we played a very strong game against a very strong NAIA opponent that is second in the very tough AAC conference and right behind nationally ranked Truett McConnell," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "We continue to improve in many areas and are hitting our stride at the most important time of the year. The players really stepped up with a lot of energy and were able to play their game with confidence. Lily Davis hit a golazo and Lydia Howell continued to create scoring opportunities for us. Shannon Miller really played well and controlled the tempo of the midfield and was active on the defending side and played a huge game. I thought our possession was much better as we were able to get into the attacking third on a regular basis and that was a huge improvement for us. We will keep working hard toward playing our best but this game was a big stride forward for our team."
The first half contained a lot of back and forth possession from each team but it was only the Pioneers able to create offensive chances. They were able to fire away 14 total shots but came up empty on all of them because of the eight first half saves by Margaret Provenzano. The Bruins only got a couple chances forward but were not able to get any shots in the first half. The halftime score was 0-0.
During halftime, the Bruins celebrated their Senior Day and recognized the seven seniors on the team this year. Margaret Provenzano, Jane Farr, Estrella Cruz, Julia Hartzler, Dani Jordan, Lauren Green, and Julia Hartzler were all recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program.
The celebration seemed to jolt some offense from the Bruins to begin the second half. Eight minutes into the half, a shot from Lily Davis was deflected and went out for a corner kick. The initial clearance from the corner by the Pioneers went right to Lily Davis at the top of the box and Davis fired a shot past the goalkeeper to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead for a brief moment. Less than two minutes later, the Pioneers connected on a cross and scored to make it 1-1. The remainder of the match had a lot of sloppy play from both sides with neither being able to keep possession. After the two shots from Davis, the Bruins didn't get a shot the rest of the match. The only shots on goal for the Pioneers were saved by Provenzano who finished the match with 11 saves. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
After the game, senior Julia Hartzler gave her thoughts on the match: "Today was a hard fought game! The team gave 100% effort on both sides of the ball, and our midfielders did an excellent job finding their rhythm. It was a great opportunity to continue to iron out wrinkles as we prepare for the big games ahead."
Fellow senior Shannon Miller also shared some words: "Even though we always strive for the win, I'm very proud of the team for one of our best performances this season. It was a competitive tie against a strong team with lots of good moments to prepare us for the games ahead."
To close the regular season, the Bruins have two matches on the road. They play Erskine College next Tuesday followed by the University of Toccoa Falls on Thursday.
