(Story Courtesy of Trinity University Sports Information Department)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The No. 24 Trinity Women's Soccer Team fell 1-0 to No. 5 Christopher Newport University in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament. In a defensive showdown, it took the Captains until the 86th minute of the match to score the game-winner. After only taking two first half shots, Trinity came out of the second half putting up nine shots with three of those being on frame.
Christopher Newport came out and controlled possession early on. CNU managed to create a shot in just the first two minutes of the match that missed the goal. Just over 20 minutes into the match, the Captains were awarded a corner and took another shot off a set piece but Trinity blocked it. A few moments later, CNU fired a shot that was just wide of the goal.
Shortly after making a defensive stand, the Tigers created a scoring opportunity. With TU not taking a shot up to that point, junior forward Molly Sheridan put a shot on frame but the CNU keeper made the save. Sheridan was fighting for a ball and was fouled which gave Trinity it's first free kick of the day. Senior midfielder Kaity Ward took a shot on frame but the Christopher Newport keeper made another save.
In the 33rd minute of the match, Trinity took it's first corner kick of the match but was unable to get a shot off.
CNU was awarded another corner with just under two minutes left in the first half but senior goalkeeper Lauren Bolish stepped up to make her third save of the day.
Trinity came out attacking in the second half and earned a pair of corner kicks. Three different Tigers took shots in the first four minutes of the second half, two of which were on target.
With the Tigers finding a rhythm, Sheridan put another shot on frame in the 64th minute of the match.
In the 77th minute of the match, CNU found themselves with a one on one opportunity but missed shooting just wide of the net. First-year Taylor Campbell lined up a shot from about 22 yards out that hit the crossbar in the 81st minute.
With just under five minutes left in the match, the Captains found the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. CNU managed to control possession for the remainder of the match in an effort to stop Trinity from scoring the equalizer.
After an incredible season that ended in the Round of 16, Trinity finishes the season with a record of (15-3-2, 7-1-0 SCAC). CNU improves to 19-0-1 and moves onto the Elite Eight.
