WESTMINSTER, Md. -- The Trine University women's soccer team made their first ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Championship and gave their nationally-ranked opponents all they could, but ultimately came up just short in double overtime by the score of 2-1.
"I think we showed today that we are a team that belongs here," said head coach Gary Boughton, "We belong in the regional rankings, we belong in the tournament. I'm really proud of our team, especially the fight and performance they put in today."
The Thunder played defensively in the contest against Carnegie Mellon University, who was ranked 15th in the latest United Soccer Coaches Division III Poll, and mostly succeeded by holding the Tartans to just one goal during regulation. That goal came in the 26th minute of play and gave the team a 1-0 lead.
Trine finally applied their own pressure in the 69th minute of play with freshman phenomenon Teresa Ashbrook (Dewitt, Mich. / Dewitt) once again showing her offensive skill with a goal that knotted the game at one.
"The team executed our game plan well, especially in the second half" continued Boughton, "We wanted to defend hard and break quickly. It showed on Teresa's goal."
The Thunder defense held under fire through the rest of regulation, with freshman Sophie Aschemeier (Findlay, Ohio / Liberty-Benton) holding strong in net. She finished the contest with nine saves.
The defense continued through the first overtime period, but in the 104th minute Carnegie Mellon's offense received three successive corner kick opportunities. The third would be successful breaking the tie and giving the Tartan the 2-1 victory.
Trine finishes their record-breaking season 15-5-2 overall, with multiple team and individual offensive program records. This marks the first time the team has reached either the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament final or the NCAA championship tournament.
"I want to commend this team and all of these student athletes, but especially the seniors," concluded Boughton, "All of their sacrifices and dedication through this season is what got us here."