GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Trine University women's soccer team competed for a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Championship for the second season in a row, but unfortunately came up short with a 1-0 loss to the host and number one seed in the tournament, Calvin University.
The loss drops Trine's record to 11-5-3 overall as the team looks to have an outside chance at obtaining an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Knights go through the regular season without a loss at 17-0-1 and has obtained the automatic qualifier from the MIAA with the tournament victory.
The Thunder were able to put the pressure on the opposing defense early in the contest. Teresa Ashbrook, Olivia Butterworth and Francesca Fronczak all had shots in the opening minutes, with Ashbrook and Fronczak's attempts being on frame and saved.
The defense would be tested for the first time in the match in the 22nd minute when goalkeeper Sophie Aschemeier made a save. A second attempt by the Knights allowed Trine to be in position for a counterattack. Ashbrook once again was the one to make a shot attempt in minute number 24, but was wide left.
Lia Franzone and Taylor Noll were also responsible for first half shot attempts, and made it 4-of-6 shots on goal in the first half. Their shots in the 29th and 41st minutes gave the Thunder a 6-5 edge in shot attempts in a scoreless first half of action.
The Trine defense held off an onslaught by Calvin early in the second half, including an attempt by the Knights that went off the top woodwork in the 52nd minute. After avoiding disaster, the Thunder were able to rattle off a few more shot attempts.
In a two-minute span from the 59th to the 61st minutes, the teams traded shots on goal. Aschemeier came up with a save, then a shot on goal by Ryann Locke was countered by another save in net for the Thunder. Bella Mabry completed the sequence with a shot that was turned away.
The lone score of the game found the back of the net for Calvin in the 64th minute of play unassisted. The Knights continued to pressure the Trine defense to try to add on late, but the back line stood tall in keeping the deficit where it stood.
There were two chances after falling behind for Trine – a shot by Butterworth that went wide in the 74th minute and a shot top left by Fronczak that was saved in the 89th minute.
When the final horn sounded, the Thunder totaled 12 shot attempts, with eight of them on net. Aschemeier made nine total saves, tied for the most in a match this season.
The NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Selection Show takes place on Monday, November 7 beginning at 2 p.m. where Trine will see if their season will continue.