After a solid defensive start in the first half for the Bruins, the Knights were able to break the dam and score eight to bury the Bruins with another loss.
"We have had many tough starts to our seasons before that ended very positively so this season is not unique," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "The big thing is how resilient we can be through the trials of an incredibly challenging schedule. I am personally seeing a lot of improvements that are needed to be competitive in the next half of the season and as we approach regionals. The scores are not showing the improvements and Southern Virginia University is likely the best team we have faced this season."
As the match kicked off, it became clear that the Bruins defense were going to need a great game. For the majority of the first half, it seemed as if that was going to happen. They faced 20 shots in the first half and didn't allow a goal for 40 minutes. If the Bruins could have gotten to halftime with a 0-0 scoreboard, this match could have looked a lot different. However, the Knights were able to score three times in the final five minutes of the half to take a quick and commanding lead.
The Bruins began the second half more controlled with possession than in the first, but the Knights kept attacking whenever possible. The constant defensive plays made it tough for the Bruins to make their way up the field on offense. It wasn't until the 80th minute when the Bruins had their first shot of the match. Throughout the second half, the Knights were able to put five more goals of various kinds away. The final score was 8-0.
Freshman goalkeeper Ryleigh Tootle had to stay on her toes all night long as she faced an astounding 38 shots, 23 of which were on goal. She ended the night with 15 saves.
Lily Davis and Mady Pfaffenroth were both able to get a shot away late in the match, but came up empty in the scoresheet.
Coach Carmichael said more after the match with belief in his team: "I know the players are done with losing, and that's a great starting point to turning things around. We still have some very challenging games coming up, but I am confident we will get things turned around and moving in a positive direction. I am blessed to have an incredible group of players that exemplify Christ-likeness especially in times like this when we feel like we have lost our footing and trying to get back on track. The mountain-top experiences are so much better when you have to climb out of the valley, and I believe we will be getting back to the top soon."
The climb continues on Wednesday as the Bruins host Columbia College at Alumni Stadium for a 6:00 p.m. match.
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