KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Lady Tiger soccer came in looking to rewrite history and it didn't take long. Campbellsville University Women's Soccer (CUWS) defeated Point University (Ga.), 3-1 in the first round of pool play in the NCCAA National Championships.
With the win, CU picks up its 14th win on the season, breaking the single-season wins record. Goalkeeper Amanda Howard also broke the single-season saves record, recording three saves for a total 121. Howard came into the tournament first in the NCCAA with saves.
BOX SCORE
"This was exactly what we needed," said CU head coach Thom Jones. "The emotions were high today and we came out and played very well. It was great to see us pick up the 14th win on the season. We have been stuck on 13 twice and never could get over the hump. But we did so tonight and I wouldn't want to do it with any other team than the one I have now.
"Amanda has been a rock for us in goal all season," said Jones. "I am proud of her because she is so humble. It is all about the team and not her personal accolades. The sky is the limit for her and I cannot wait to see her play out her career at Campbellsville."
It took all of six minutes and 17 seconds for the Lady Tigers to get on the board in the first half. Mhairi Fyfe used a pass to fellow sophomore Devon Burnside who delivered CU's first goal.
The SkyHawks would not get down, though, and came back with an answer of their own. Just 1:12 later, Celly Ruiz beat the CU defense on a fast break and finished upper 90 to tie the match at one.
But Fyfe connected with teammate Rachel Veatch in the 17th minute with another CU goal. Veatch received a pass from Fyfe on the right side of the 18-yard box and the junior from Bowling Green, Ky. put the Lady Tigers up 2-1 – a lead it would never relinquish.
"When Point came back with a goal to tie the game we didn't lay down and came right back with a strike of our own," said Jones. "We got mad that we let them score and really kept the pressure on their defense."
Just 1:29 later, Campbellsville added to its lead, 3-1. Alysen Shireman recorded her first corner kick and boy was it a beauty. The senior captain was rewarded with Chelsea Gill rising high above the defense with a header past the Point goalkeeper.
Campbellsville dominated the first half, recording 11 shots compared to the SkyHawks three. Five of the CU shots were on goal, with two on goal for Point University.
The second half neither team scored but Campbellsville held possession for majority of the final 45 minutes.
The only fireworks for CU in the second half was Howard picking up her third save to break the single-season record.
Another spotlight for Jones and his team was pulling Samantha Stack up from junior varsity and plugging her right into the starting lineup.
"We haven't played with four defenders all season," said Jones. "We pulled her up and she made an instant impact. She played awesome in her very first varsity game."
Campbellsville will now take tomorrow off and enjoy a little Medieval Times adventure. The Lady Tigers will be back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 3 as they will play No. 4 seed Houghton College. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and live video will be available, HERE.
You can follow the Lady Tigers for game recaps and behind the scenes diaries on @CvilleTigers and @CUWSTiger.
