OAC Championship

Today we faced off against Baldwin Wallace to fight for the conference title. Our team was ready for battle and to walk away as champions once again. We came out of the gates with full force and attacked quickly and effectively! In the second minute Claire Quinn played a diagonal flighted ball that broke the BW back line. Shelby Johnson ran onto it, dribbled right at the keeper, and placed the ball past  her putting us on the board! As we all rejoiced the girls rallied up and decided to continue the quick pace and offensive pressure. In the third minute Becca Cartmill found herself with the ball in the middle of the field and passed it wide to Morgan Austin, who left her place at right back, and advanced up the field with pace. As she dribble towards goal she saw an opportunity and shot the ball which soared into the far post! With the score 2-0 our Crusaders received higher pressure and physicality from the BW team. There was a tremendous battle through the midfield and each team fought to keep possession and attack the opposing goals. Even though the game was tougher and more physical, Amanda Kachaylo, among others, fought through it and helped us to our third goal. She received the ball out on the right flank and took on the BW defender who she blew past on the dribble. As she approached the end line she slotted the ball back towards the pk spot and Mary Bushee ran on, hit it one time, and scored! We ended the half 3-0.

The whole team anticipated that the BW players would come out stronger and harder than the first half and they did. Early in the half we allowed them a corner kick which resulted in a scramble in the box. Despite the BW efforts, our Crusaders cleared the ball and reorganized to keep the ball away from our goal. The battle continued and the game went back and forth between the teams. In the 67th minute however we took our efforts and made them count! Emily Krause received the ball, turned a defender and crossed the ball into the box. Shelby Johnson ran onto the pass, hit it one time, and placed it into the near post! Although we scored and had exceptional efforts afterwards, the BW attack snuck one past us in the 69th minute. After their goal the whole team stepped it up and finished the game strong. As the minutes counted down we knew that we had the game! Once it was over the girls stormed the field as they captured their 3rd conference championship in 4 years!

This win truly was a team effort and every player made it possible for us to win the championship! Not only did we come out strong but we ended strong as well! Tomorrow Monday November 10th at 1pm is the NCAA pooling where we will find out who our next opponent is! Stay up to date with us as we embark on another NCAA tournament run! A huge thank you for everyone who has supported us along this journey and will continue to support us as we advance!