After winning the Western Atlantic Conference (WAC) Championship for the fourth year in a row, Seattle University’s women’s soccer team traveled to Southern California to take on No. 18 ranked University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Jennifer Plummer (9) makes a run with the ball.
With their sights set on a long stay in the NCAA Tournament, the Redhawks (14-6-1) fell 3-0 to the Bruins (14-5-1). It was still a successful season for Seattle U, accomplishing their goal of taking home the WAC Title, but they certainly would have liked to make a statement with a win over a ranked team. In the end, UCLA just overpowered them from start to finish.
The Bruins got off to a quick 1-0 lead with a low goal from Anika Rodriguez at the top of the penalty box at the 3:11 mark. Seattle U kept the pressure on the defense taking seven shots over the course of the game, but weren’t able to convert any of their opportunities
It was a disappointing outing from a Redhawk’s offense that has been potent all season long. Seniors Brie Hooks and Natasha Howe, who have played huge roles in the offense, each put up shots on goal in the first half in what ended up being their final game as Redhawks.
The game went to halftime 1-0 in favor of UCLA, still a tight enough contest for Seattle U to comeback. They attacked hard out of the half but nothing was hitting for them. UCLA struck again at the 60 minute mark as Zoe Goralski struck from outside of the box. They iced the game with a third uncontested goal from Amber Munerlyn in the 82nd minute. UCLA went on to shutout the Redhawks on their home field.
Freshman Mackenzie Curry got three saves in the net for the Redhawks but did not get any support from the offense as they were eliminated from the tournament.
When they take the field next year this team will look a little different. They lose Howe and Hooks who were the top two on the team in goals scored. Hooks was second in shots taken with 59 and Howe was third with 40 shots taken. This is a large part of the offense that will need to be made up for, but Coach Julie Woodward has the young talent to make up for it.
They go into the offseason with a lot to think about, but a lot to be proud of as well. Next year will be a whole new opportunity to take a crack at it.
Willy may be reached at
[email protected]
