CLARKS SUMMIT, PA - The women's soccer team gave a valiant effort Tuesday afternoon against conference rival Baptist Bible College but ultimately fell short in Clarks Summit, PA.
For the third consecutive season Baptist Bible was able to overcome PBU in the NCCAA II East Regional Finals, this time defeating the Crimson Eagles 2-0 and effectively ending PBU's hopes of returning to the NCCAA national tournament. Baptist Bible has had PBU's number as of late with the Crimson Eagles dropping their last 12 out of 13 games to the Defenders dating back to the 200-01 season. PBU's only win in recent history came in late 2005 when they managed a 2-1 come-from-behind victory.
On Tuesday Baptist Bible looked like the number one seed in the East Region. The Defenders were able to control play and dominate possession for the majority of the contest, securing a somewhat overwhelming advantage in shots on goal, 12-3.
Although PBU was unyielding defensively for most of the game, the Crimson Eagles' two lapses ended up costing them as Baptist Bible made sure to take advantage and capitalize. The first mishap came late in the first half when Defender senior Liz Bole crossed a dangerous ball into the middle in which teammate Alison Bowen was able to collect and finish to put Baptist Bible up 1-0 going into halftime. The Crimson Eagles were able to shutdown Baptist Bible's offense for the rest of the game until deep in the second stanza when sophomore Brittany Brenner put in an insurance goal off a Baptist Bible corner kick to help seal the game.
For the season, PBU falls to 10-9 while Baptist Bible improves to 15-3-1. After sitting out several games due to injury, senior keeper Melissa Landis returned to goal for the Crimson Eagles and registered four saves on the afternoon. Baptist Bible goalie Holly Walton had two.
Tuesday's loss for PBU serves as a disappointment for the Crimson Eagles as it would have marked only the second time in the last five years that team would have participated in the NCCAA national tournament. However, PBU still has postseason hopes as the soccer team will begin NEAC competition later this week. Like it or not, the Crimson Eagles will get a second crack at the Defenders when PBU meets Baptist Bible in the first round of conference play. The game will take place this Friday at 2:00 pm at Keuka College, with the winner moving on to the NEAC Championship to be played on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
At the end of Tuesday's game, the NCCAA II All East Region Team selections were announced, with six different Crimson Eagles earning recognition. Summer Mullen, Hannah Messenger, Ashley Colton and Melissa Landis all were named to the East Region Team with teammates Alexa Hays and Brittany Sparling receiving honorable mention status. Congratulations to each athlete!
