Trinity downs Middlebury 2-1, William Smith defeats Capital 1-0
Cover photo by Larry Radloff, d3photography.com
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Freshman Hannah Hommell (background) is all
smiles when her second half goal gave the Tigers the lead and
eventual victory. |
For the first time since 1997, No. 3 William Smith is headed to the NCAA Championship match, as the Herons defeated Capital University 1-0. In the second semifinal, No. 4 Trinity (Texas) edged No. 18 Middlebury 2-1.
In the first match, junior Krista Longo scored the deciding goal in the seventh minute of play, assisted by freshman Kara Shue. Shue sent a ball into the box from the endline, and Longo collected and sent a quick shot through one defender, beating the Capital keeper to the far post.
Capital University ends their best season in program history with a record of 19-5-2, while William Smith continues on at 22-1-0.
In the second match, the the Tigers needed a goal from freshman Hannah Hommell to edge the Panthers 2-1. Senior Michelle Lanier had put Trinity up 1-0 early, but Middlebury star Scarlett Kirk nailed a shot late in the half to equalize. After Hommell's goal, the Tigers fought off several furious attacks from the Panthers, but held on to win. Trinity improves to 25-0-2 and plays on Staurday for a chance at their first ever national title. Middleburry finishes at 17-2-3, closing an impressive four years for the Panther seniors.
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Heron junior Caityn Mitchell chases after the
ball as Capital sophomore Maura Fortino looks on. |
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Middlebury’s Scarlett Kirk tied the game
at one when she put this shot past the outstretched arms of Trinity
goaltender Devan Osegueda. |
