ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – For the second time in four years, the No. 4 ranked Spring Arbor University women's soccer team has advanced to the semifinal round of the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship after defeating No. 5 William Carey University (Miss.) 2-0 on Wednesday night.
Like the previous night against Baker University, the Cougars started fast getting what would prove to be the game-winning goal from freshman Bethany Balcer just over 10 minutes into the contest.
"I am very proud of the women for a fantastic effort less than 24 hours on the heels of a tough and physical match with Baker," said head coach Jason Crist following the match. "We got a good start against a very good William Carey team that has been ranked inside the top three in the country for the whole season. Not only did we move the ball and attack well, but we defended relentlessly from our forwards back, something that we try to make a hallmark of our program."
Spring Arbor was able to keep a very potent William Carey (17-3-2) offense off the scoreboard to extend its shutout streak to eight straight matches. Senior goalkeeper Sarah Yancer not only finished with four saves, but made arguably the biggest play of the night when she stopped WCU's Khaline Jacob on a one-on-one opportunity in the final seconds of the first half to preserve the lead.
William Carey picked up the intensity in the second half, desperately looking for an equalizer, but was unable to get anything past Yancer and the Cougar defense.
Spring Arbor nearly doubled its lead midway through the second half on a header by senior Nikki Bonnema, but the WCU netminder made a terrific diving save to keep the Crusaders hopes alive.
However, in the 72nd minute, the Cougars would find the back of the net on a counter attack to clinch the win. Freshman Casandra Besteman delivered a cross into the box that was initially headed away by a defender, but the ball would find the feet of sophomore Aubrey Schierbeek who fired a shot past the keeper.
Spring Arbor totaled 14 shots on the night while William Carey finished with 13. The Cougars also held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Up next, Spring Arbor (21-2-1) will take on last year's national runner-up, and No. 2 ranked, University of Northwestern Ohio (20-2-2) in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 4 at 3:30 p.m.
"We are looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow as we prepare for another fantastic side in UNOH in the semifinal on Friday," noted Crist. "The team continues to play with confidence and courage in this tournament."
Women's Soccer Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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