SALINA, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) --- The McPherson College women's soccer team saw its season draw to a close Friday night in the KCAC quarterfinal round against Kansas Wesleyan University at the Graves Family Sports Complex. The second-seeded Coyotes (15-1-3), ranked 17th nationally, advanced with a 4-3 penalty-kick shootout win after the teams played to a two-overtime scoreless draw.
The seventh-seeded Bulldogs (10-6-1) played what might be its best soccer of the season in the first half, narrowly missing on three early chances while holding the KCAC's top offense in check. Kansas Wesleyan held a slim 7-6 advantage in shots in the first half, but kicked up the offensive pressure in the second half. The Coyotes blasted 11 shots in the second 45 minutes compared to just one for a fatigued McPherson side and had four corner kicks, but could not break through a Bulldogs' defensive back line led by
Heather Diamond (Lake Forest, Calif.). Anything that did get through was stopped by goalkeeper
Sheryl Evans (Nassau, Bahamas), who had five of her 11 saves in the second half.
After two 10-minute sessions of golden-goal overtime yielded only six KWU shots, the match concluded as a scorless draw and matter of advancement to the KCAC Tournament semifinals was decided by a shootout.
Each side was successful with its first three shooters as
Rhea Vale (London, England),
Lacy Fry (Severance, Colo.) and Diamond all connected for McPherson. Evans made a save on Kate Salmonsen's attempt in the fourth round, but the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize as an attempt by
Allie Hicks (Bedford, Texas) missed the mark. KWU grabbed a 4-3 lead after Cynthia Chavez converted in the fifth round.
Kayla Faust (Manhattan, Kan.) was McPherson's final shooter, needing to convert to extend the shootout, but her attempt missed as well, sending the Coyotes into the semifinal round.
Kansas Wesleyan finished with a 24-7 advantage in shots overall, including an 11-2 edge in shots on goal. Evans made 11 saves for McPherson, while KWU keeper Jane Potter was credited with two saves as both maintained clean sheets.
Cydney Lewis (Ottawa, Kan.) led the Bulldogs with three shots, including both MC shots on goal, while
Ana Guerrero (Graton, Calif.) and
Dina Der Vartanian (Sierra Madre, Calif.) added two shots apiece.
Chavez led all players with eight shots, including three on goal, while Sarah Granato and Valerie Ochoa had four shots each. Antonia Burrell and Taylor Velez added three shots apiece.
"In the first half we played possibly our best half of soccer all season," said head coach
Doug Quint. "We were able to execute our game plan to perfection and it was unfortunate that we weren't leading at the half. I'm proud of this team and what they accomplished this season. Although we did not advance, this game is indicative of the mark our seniors have left on the program."
The Bulldogs set a new program mark for fewest goals allowed in a season with 15, bettering the mark of 16 set in 2009. They also posted eight shutouts this season, good for a tie for third place on the program's all-time list with the 2010 and 2011 squads. The team's 29 goals this season are tied for fifth place in program history.
With the close of the season, eight seniors -- Lewis, Evans, Faust, Hicks, Diamond,
Bereniz Velazquez (Orange, Calif.),
Caitlyn Blagrave (Rio Rancho, N.M.) and
Kelsey Eby (Kechi, Kan.) -- represented McPherson College on the soccer pitch for the final time. Their impact on the program will be felt for years to come, according to Quint.
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