PITTSBURGH, Pa. – No. 3 (United Soccer Coaches Division II Top 25) Flagler College had its memorable season come to an end with a 2-0 loss to No. 7 Western Washington University in a NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship national semifinal match Friday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
Western Washington (23-2), the No. 3 seed in the final four, advances to face No. 1 seed Grand Valley State University in Saturday's national championship match at noon. Flagler, the No. 2 seed, ended its season with a 23-1-1 record.
"We came to the final four with the expectation of winning the championship and we fell short," said head coach
Ashley Martin. "We can also head back home with pride in our performance. Western Washington is a fabulous team and deserved the victory, but we made them earn it."
In the ninth minute, Karli White shuffled a pass to her right to Grace Eversaul at the top of the box. Eversaul rocketed a right-footed shot just under the crossbar and into the back of the net to give the Vikings the early lead.
The Saints were limited to just three shots in the first half, but came out of the intermission determined to score.
Maria Castorino Mujica had an excellent chance in the 71
st minute at the equalizer, but WWU keeper Natalie Dierickx was there to scoop up the attempt.
The Viking pressure did not allow the Saints to get many open looks.
White scored the insurance goal for WWU in the 84
th minute.
Dierickx recorded five saves and turned in her 13
th clean sheet.
Sarah-Lisa Dubel tallied seven saves for the Saints.
Western Washington out-shot Flagler 17-11 and held a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Vikings took 11 corner kicks, seven of which came in the first half. The Saints had five corner kicks.
"We gave this game 100 percent effort, which is no different than every other game this season," said Martin. "The entire squad can look forward to some well deserved rest and look forward to building upon this success and becoming a stronger program.
"I would also like to thank our fans and the College community for their incredible support during the season," added Martin. "This has been a team effort from beginning to end and that is what makes Flagler College so special."
Flagler broke several program records this season, including wins, goals (85), assists (74), and shutouts (11).
Sara Sandberg broke school single season records in goals (25) and points (61) while
Charlene Nowotny shattered the assists (20) record. Dubel broke the season shutout record for goalkeepers with 11. Nowotny set career marks in assists (43) and points (115). Dubel set career marks in saves (239) and shutouts (24).
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