ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The sixth ranked Spring Arbor University women's soccer team played No. 9 Benedictine College to a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes in the second round of the 2014 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship. However, the Ravens snuck past the Cougars 3-1 in the penalty kick shootout to advance to the quarterfinals and end SAU's postseason run.
"Obviously we are disappointed in the outcome today, however I am so proud of our team and the effort, unity and class they displayed," said head coach Jason Crist. "We did everything that we needed to win the game, but couldn't find the game winner we worked so hard for. The ladies stayed true to our identity and represented Spring Arbor University with dignity and honor."
The Cougars jumped on Benedictine early when junior Nikki Bonnema found the back of the net in the second minute. After the BC goalkeeper made an initial save on a blast from junior Shannon Balcer, Bonnema was right there to clean up the rebound and give SAU a 1-0 lead.
It would not take the Ravens too long to find the equalizer, though, capitalizing on their only corner kick of the afternoon and leveling the score at 1-1 in the 11th minute.
Despite outshooting Benedictine 14-6 and controlling possession through 90 minutes, the Cougars were unable to find the go-ahead goal sending the game to overtime. The Ravens created a chance early in the first extra period. A shot forced goalkeeper Sarah Yancer to make a tough save, but the rebound went back to a BC player who got off a quick shot, however, the Cougar defense was there to block the attempt at the open goal.
At the end of the overtime periods, the teams went to a penalty kick shootout for the right to move on to the quarterfinals. Senior Courtney Harrison buried the team's first attempt, but the Cougars would miss their next three while Benedictine converted on its first three tries to advance.
"I am so pleased with our players' willingness and desire to proudly wear their Christian faith on and off the playing field," added Crist. "We have a very bright future with the quality of young players that we have, but we will certainly greatly miss the leadership of a wonderful senior class."
Spring Arbor finished the season with a 19-1-2 record and a perfect 9-0 mark in Crossroads League play.
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