Lady Buffs move onto regional semi-finals

-Sophomore Kristin Zutt races towards the ball.

-Photo by Andrew Stauffer

While all of America was focused on the results of the presidential election last night, the Milligan College women’s soccer team was focused on an entirely different competition: beating Brescia University (Ky.) in order to advance to the semifinals of the NAIA Regional Tournament.

The Lady Buffs captured a win, defeating Brescia 3-2, despite a few tense moments near the end when the Lady Bearcats made a comeback.

“The second half just wasn’t a good performance,” said head coach Dave Dixon. “We just got tired, and when you get tired, you just don’t use your head as much.”

In the first half, Milligan dominated the field, not allowing Brescia the chance to test its offense until the 11^th minute. Although Milligan’s footwork and offensive skills overpowered Brescia during the first half, the Lady Buffs struggled to obtain a goal.

In the 15^th minute, senior co-captain Jackie Goncalves made the first goal off of an assist from junior Katie Caughell.

“(The goal) was a long time coming,” said the line referee after Goncalves goal. “Milligan should have scored ten minutes ago. They’re controlling the game.”

Following the first goal, Milligan was unable to take advantage of available shots as kicks from Goncalves and freshman Dagmar Yr Arnardottir went wide. In the last eight minutes of the half, Brescia gained more drive and force to their play, especially when freshman Lauren Taylor barely missed the chance to tie the score at 1-1 with three minutes remaining in the half.

Freshman Stephanie Junkin scored again for the Lady Buffs in the 44^th minute off an assist from senior Cora Deakins.

Throughout the second half, the Lady Buffs continuously came close to scoring again, but the ball was stopped by Brescia repeatedly.

In the 66th minute, Brescia’s Taylor ruined Milligan’s chance at a shutout when she scored unassisted. After Taylor’s goal, Brescia’s defense and offense picked up, as they became more involved in a game they now had a chance to win.

Taylor scored unassisted again in the 81^st minute, decreasing not only Milligan’s lead but also the Lady Buff’s hope of continuing on in the tournament. The final minutes became tense, being marked  by fast-paced sprints across the field, jerky movements and yelling. With a gasp of relief, the Lady Buffs held onto the lead, winning 3-2.

“Fitness is a major part of it,” said Dixon. “We’ve got lots of work to do to prepare for this weekend.”

Milligan defeated conference foes King College, Covenant College (Ga.) and Virginia Intermont College last weekend to become the 2004 Appalachian Athletic Conference champions. The Lady Buffs will travel to Lookout Mountain, Ga. on Friday to battle Bethel College in the Regional semifinals.