Madison Nicolas Sends Women's Soccer Team To Semifinals Of NCCAA Nationals
In the deciding match of group play, the fifth-seeded Mighty Oaks faced the fourth-seed in the tournament, the Trolls of Trinity Christian College. Both teams entered the game with a win over Bob Jones University in group play, so the winner was guaranteed to advance to the semifinal round.
The Trolls struck early, finding the back of the net in the 12th minute on a Brianna Uhl shot, directed in off a crossing pass from Caitlin Bergsma. With the first half winding down, Claudia Melgar sent a cross in from the outside the left side of the box off a free kick. Madison Nicolas took the cross and sent a header to the left post, just past the outstretched arms of the Trolls keeper, sending the teams into halftime tied up at 1-1.
In the second half, both teams had opportunities to gain the advantage, but neither team was able to find the back of the net, giving both teams a tie in the contest and a record of 1-0-1 in pool play. For the game, OCU finished with seven shot attempts with four on goal, while the Trolls managed 21 shots, only six of which were on frame.
Kassidy Elkin had five saves in the tie, while the TCC keeper, Michelle Urribarri had three. No cards were shown in the game, with 19 fouls being called overall.
With the goal differential advantage going to TCC, they were awarded the qualifying spot for winning the pool. However, OCU earned the fourth and final position with their record being better than any other second place team in pool play. It is the first time the Oaks have advanced to the top four, where they will face the top-seeded Roberts Wesleyan College side looking for a chance to play for a national championship.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up