OAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPS!!

We wrapped up OAC play at Bernlohr Stadium yesterday against John Carroll. Game resulted in a 4-0 win and the OAC Tournament title! Along with the tournament title comes an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament! This team is the first since 1999 to win both the regular season and tournament championships in the same year. It is also the 2nd time in 3 years that this team has made it to the NCAA tournament! Big accomplishments and a great core of seniors to help us along the way! For more information check out the story...

COLUMBUS – The Capital University women's soccer team has clinched an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, following a 4-0 defeat of John Carroll, in the team's second Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament championship in the past three seasons.

Capital now awaits the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament Selection Show on Monday at 1:30 p.m., to see who they will match up against in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

"I thought the difference today was our ability to keep the ball and make John Carroll chase the game," said head coach Chris Kouns. "Ultimately, our movement off the ball set up some great attacking opportunities and we were focused on not letting those slip away." 

Senior Hilary Ells inked the scoreboard first in the fifth minute for the Crusaders, following a throw-in assist by senior Livvy Hein, to which Ells dribbled the ball a short distance before striking it in for an early 1-0 lead.

"Hilary Ells' goal early in the game set the tone for us in terms of being relentless in the final third," Kouns said.

Then in the 17^th minute of play, freshman Becca Cartmill extended her OAC assists lead on a pass to senior Lauren Roy, who doubled the Crusaders lead to 2-0.

As the first half came to a close, the Crusaders cruised into halftime with a 2-0 lead, holding the Blue Streaks to just three shots total.

In the second half of play, 35 minutes passed before Capital extended its lead to 3-0, on an assist inside the box from senior Alyssa Goodnightto sophomore Allison Mervau, who rebounded a loose ball off the Blue Streaks' goalkeeper, tapping the ball in for the score.

Just three minutes later, the Crusaders played add-on once again, tallying their fourth goal of the match in the 83^rd minute, following seniorKatie Freshour collecting a loose ball in the box on the corner kick, extending the lead, 4-0.

"I felt Hilary Ells' goal early in the game set the tone for us in terms of being relentless in the final third," Kouns said. "That was also really clear in the third goal where Alyssa Goodnight took off on a great attack into the final third finding Allison Mervau for the goal."

In total, the Blue Streaks managed to unload a respectable 11 shots, four of them coming on goal, while the Crusaders tallied 11 of their 14 shots on goal.

"I am so incredibly proud of the show that these young women put on today," Kouns said. "From our training and video session yesterday, I knew we had an attacking game plan that would work and they made no doubt about it from the opening kickoff that they were here to execute and win.  It is a great testament to the dedication level of the players in the program that they came out and showed what a championship caliber program is capable of doing."

With the win, Capital has now earned its second OAC Tournament championship in the past three seasons.

"This win says the world about the character of these student-athletes," Kouns said. "Every single player on the bench or on the field was focused on achieving this goal and we did just that in a complete team effort."

Leading the way for the Crusaders was senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan, saving six shots on goal from a total of 11 shots faced throughout the game.

Ells netted her 14^th goal of the season, while Hein picked up her fifth assist on the year on the score.

Roy scored her first goal of the season, as Cartmill tallied her 10^th assist of the season.

Mervau recorded her third goal of the year, while Goodnight notched her second assist.

Freshour also chipped in a late unassisted goal, her second of the season.

With the win, Capital (16-4-1) has received an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, beginning on Nov. 15.

"Our team is really looking forward to our second trip in the last three years to the 'Big Dance'," Kouns said. "Last time around we were given a tremendous opportunity to advance after defeating Alma (Mich.), playing Wheaton (Ill.), in the round-of-32, and they showed us what a top flight caliber team looks like. I am hopeful that we will be able to build from that experience, playing up to our full potential and working to take one more step further than we did the last time around."

Be sure to stay up-to-date at athletics.capital.edu for the most recent information regarding the team's first round opponent and location.

 

OAC REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP

vs. Otterbein

Senior Day turned OAC Championship Day!

COLUMBUS – The Capital University women's soccer captured the 2013 Ohio Athletic Conference title, winning 1-0 against Otterbein on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's game also marked the women's soccer team's Class of 2014 senior day at Bernlohr Stadium.

"I am especially proud of the team spirit of this group," said head coach Chris Kouns. "When we found out we were playing for the OAC Championship the entire team was focused on doing what was necessary to help achieve this team goal.  It is always gratifying when you see a team come together with the overall success in mind over individual priorities and as a result this team was able to give our senior class their second OAC Championship in the past three years.  This honor puts their class in rare company and it is a legacy that no one can take away from them."

A scoreless 43 minutes passed before freshman Claire Quinn tallied the lone goal of the match on a shot that was struck into the back of the net, giving Capital a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

As the second half of play unfolded, an aggressive attack on both sides of the field was the source of a miniscule amount of nine total shots combined in the second half.

The Cardinals managed to attempt a few attempts on goal in the final half, but to no avail, as senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan locked down the net for the Crusaders throughout the entire match.

In total, Capital managed to manufacture three of its seven shots on goal, while Otterbein tallied seven of its eight shots on goal.

Leading the way for the Crusaders was Quinn, who recorded her first goal of the season, while Donnellan saved all seven shots on goal that she faced.

"Individually, I was really excited to see such a tremendous goal end up being the difference maker," Kouns said. "Claire (Quinn) struck a perfect ball and it was well deserved for all the yeoman's work she has done this year in the midfield. I was also very excited by the play of Maggie (Donnellan). When things got frantic in the back Maggie came up huge and was the difference in the pipes. That is what you expect of the two-time OAC Goalkeeper of the Year and she has not disappointed.  I also thought that Becca (Cartmill) did an outstanding job with her work rate in the midfield and up top.  Her efforts on both sides of the ball certainly contributed to the outcome today.  However great those individual efforts were, make no doubt about it this was all about the team and everyone on the field and on the sideline putting their heart into winning a championship."

With the win and regular season title all wrapped up, Capital (14-4-1, 7-2-0 OAC) has earned the No. 1 seed in OAC Tournament, and is set to host a semifinals match at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Bernlohr Stadium....

For the rest of the story and box score check out our website: http://athletics.capital.edu/sports/wsoc/index

Crusader of the Week - Maggie Donnellan

 Capital University senior Maggie Donnellan is this week's Crusader of the Week after helping lead the women's soccer team to a pair of wins and helping the Crusaders move into a tie for first place in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Donnellan, a goalkeeper from Cincinnati, Ohio, combined with Kim Leitch for a 5-0 shutout of Marietta on Tuesday to back up senior Hilary Ells' four-goal performance. Four days later, the two-time OAC Goalkeeper of the Year posted five saves, including a huge save down the stretch, in Capital's 2-1 come-from-behind overtime victory over Baldwin Wallace at Bernlohr Stadium.

Donnellan ranks in the top three in the OAC in saves (84), save percentage (.848) and goals against average (0.92). She has three solo shutouts for the season and has been a part of five others.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Every year during mid-term week, Capital gives students a Friday off for "Fall Break". For most students this means going home or enjoying a 3 day weekend. However, for Fall student-athlete's it usually just means a day of hanging out, practice and no classes. This year we decided that not only did our team need that Fall break from class, but maybe they needed a little Fall Fun Day! So, the coaches and players packed up in 3 vans and headed to Leed's Farm in Marysville, OH. The farm included a small petting zoo, a zip line, hayrides, the big pumpkin jump, Tube Time! and delicious snacks and cider! Take a look at some of the fun the girls had!

(Pay no attention to Freshman Jenna Zuberi and her goofy face!)

Zip Line

As part of the day, almost every member of the team, Coaches included, took a turn at the Zip Line! Some people were a lot more worried than others! Including Freshmen Jackie Kelly and Cassaddie Roach. But no worries, they faced their fear head on and went for it anyway!

Snacks

Not only did the Farm have activities, but a snack stand with pumpkin break, pumpkin whoopie pies, pumpkin cookies, warm apple cider, soft pretzels and much more! 

 

  Freshmen (Left to Right): Melissa Spurbeck, Cassaddie Roach, Claire Quinn, Kylie Tritt & Jenna Zuberi enjoy some snacks after the zip line.

The Pumpkin Jump

Fun for the whole team! The pumpkin jump is a big bouncy trampoline like activity. The team had to go in their own group - I don't think the workers trusted them on there with little kids...to be expected!

TUBE TIME!

This part of the Farm was taken up by mostly little kids and their parents. However, a group of players took it upon themselves to set up a race and torture each other a bit. (Fun torture of course!)

Freshman Melissa Spurbeck and Sophomore Allison Mervau roll their teammates in the Tube!

That group as having a little too much fun!

Classmates, Cassaddie Roach and Jackie Kelly push Kylie Tritt as she flops around inside the tube!

All in all, the day was a success! Keep visiting for an update with videos from the zip line, the pumpkin jump and tube time! 

The Road to 11-4-1

vs. Kenyon

COLUMBUS – Capital University's women's soccer team capped off its non-conference regular schedule on Wednesday evening, with a 2-0 victory over Kenyon College.

In the first half of play, both teams established a very physical style of play, as a combined 15 fouls were recorded in the opening frame.

Pacing the Crusaders attack in the first half was seniorHilary Ells who tallied two shots, both on goal, while freshman Monique Hanayik substituted in to help pressure the opposition on on the offensive side of the ball.

Heading into halftime, the game was scoreless despite Capital recording four of its six shots on goal, while the Ladies tallied seven of their nine shots on goal.

"Kenyon came at us hard and had us a bit unbalanced in the first half," said head coach Chris Kouns. "But, once we got our footing and began to keep possession and play it around on the ground, then we began to find the game and the attacking success that came with it."

Shortly into the second half, the Crusaders took a 1-0 advantage in the 54^th minute following a goal by Ells on a rebound that she corralled from her previous shot, striking the ball over the Kenyon goalkeeper.

Just eight minutes later, the Ladies committed a foul in the box, giving the Capital a penalty kick.

Sophomore Maura Fortino took the penalty kick, extending the Crusaders lead to 2-0 in the 62^nd minute...

vs. John Carroll

COLUMBUS – The Capital University women's soccer team opened up its Ohio Athletic Conference regular season schedule with a 2-0 win over John Carroll on Saturday afternoon.

Last year, the Crusaders saw their season come to an end following the Blue Streaks advancing in the OAC Tournament quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw in double overtime, leading to John Carroll's 3-2 shootout victory.

As the first half began, both teams were limited to just two shots on goal apiece in the opening frame, as neither team managed to score through the first 45 minutes.

In the opening half, Capital recorded nine total shots as opposed to John Carroll's four, while neither team was able to earn a corner kick.

But, as the second half of play got underway, the Crusaders were able to unload scoring two goals in a span of 12 minutes.

The first goal came in the 52^nd minute on an assist by sophomore Jamie Murray, in which freshman Monique Hanayik tapped into the left side of the net past the outstretched arms of the Blue Streaks goalkeeper.

On the second goal, it was Murray in the 64^th minute who once again tallied an assist, crossing a shot from the far right side of the field to senior Hilary Ells, who netted a shot inside the box to the upper right corner of the goal.

From that point forward, the Crusaders were able to stifle the Blue Streaks offensive attack, limiting them to just four of their seven shots coming on goal for the game.

With the 2-0 victory, the Crusaders recorded their third straight shutout, fifth in their last six matches...

vs. Heidelberg

COLUMBUS – Capital University's women's soccer team defeated Heidelberg, 2-0, on Friday afternoon in the second Ohio Athletic Conference of the Crusaders' 2013 regular season.

Following a scoreless first half of play, in which both teams combined for nine shots, the Crusaders opened up the second half with a goal almost right away.

In the 49^th minute, freshman Becca Cartmill scored the first goal of the match on an assist from freshman Claire Quinn, coming off a ball that rolled passed the Heidelberg goalkeeper, allowing for Cartmill to net the ball into the top left corner.

Then in the 67^th minute, sophomore Jamie Murrayplaced a textbook cross off to Cartmill, who extended the Crusaders lead following a one touch shot for her second goal of the game.  

From that point forward, neither team managed to find the net, as the Crusaders capped off their fourth straight shutout with a 2-0 victory.

In total, the Crusaders tallied 15 shots with nine of them coming on goal, as opposed to five of six shots coming on goal for Heidelberg.

"For teams that want to be championship caliber and want to compete at the levels we hope to compete at, we need a much better effort and focus than we came with this evening," Kouns said.

Leading the way for the Crusaders was Cartmill, scoring her second and third goals of the season, while Quinn and Murray recorded their first and third assists, respectively.

Senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan once again locked down the net for the Crusaders, stopping all four shots on goal that she faced....

@Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team had its four game win streak snapped on Wednesday night, falling 2-1 at Ohio Athletic Conference opponent Wilmington.

"Wilmington is an extremely tough place to play," head coach Chris Kouns said. "They play extremely hard at home and when you come here, you know you're going to be in for a battle and it will come down to who wants to win more than who has to win."

In the opening period, both teams managed to find the back of the net, scoring within a 13 minute span of one another.

Wilmington inked the scoreboard first on an assisted shot in the 27^th minute, giving the Quakers a 1-0 advantage midway through the first half of play.

However, the Crusaders would answer with a score of their own, as senior Hilary Ells netted an unassisted goal in the 40^th minute, just before halftime.

Heading into an evenly tied halftime, both teams managed to unload a fair amount of shots in the opening frame, as Capital totaled seven as opposed to Wilmington's nine.

As the second half unfolded, neither team could break the tie for over 30 minutes, until the Quakers managed to find the back of the net in the 39^th minute, giving them a 2-1 lead.

The Quakers goal came on a penalty kick in the 39^thminute, a shot which was initially saved by senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan, but was still a live ball to which Wilmington tapped in for the decisive goal.

"Maggie (Donnellan) did a tremendous job saving that penalty kick," Kouns said. "But we just stood there and watched the ball and Wilmington followed it up and finished it in.".....

@Mount Union

ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team defeated Mount Union, 2-1, in comeback fashion on Saturday afternoon.

"Today was probably some of the best soccer we have played all season," said head coach Chris Kouns. "We really controlled the entire game outside about a ten minute span of counter attacking and our team showed some terrific character today."

After 35 minutes of play, the Purple Raiders broke the scoreless tie, netting the game's first goal in the 36^thminute.

"We shouldn't have given up that goal," Kouns said. "But, you have to credit Mount Union for finishing the play into the net."

Heading into halftime, both teams managed to unload just four shots a piece, while the Crusaders surrendered the lone penalty kick of the opening frame to their opposition.

As the second half unfolded, neither team could find the net for quite some time, as both teams went without a goal for over 30 minutes of play.

Then in 79^th minute, the Crusaders tied the game at 1-1 following an assist to the near post by sophomore Allison Mervau, where sophomore Jamie Murray was waiting for the score.

Three minutes later, the Crusaders took their first lead of the match as freshman Becca Cartmill scored the tiebreaking goal in the 82^nd minute, this time Murray was on the assisting end of the score after winning a ball on their end of the field.

From that point forward, the Crusaders held the Purple Raiders offense at bay, eventually going on to win by a final score of 2-1....

@ Ohio Northern

ADA, Ohio - Capital University's women's soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat at Ohio Northern on Sunday afternoon. 

The match was originally scheduled for Oct. 8, but was postponed due to inclement weather on the day of the game.

So as the Crusaders traveled to Ada for a rare Sunday regular season Ohio Athletic Conference matchup, they were also on the verge of competing in their third conference game in a span of five days. 

Ohio Northern got on the board first with a goal in the 15th minute of play, with the score coming on a ball that made its way into the box and was deflected into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Then in the 32nd minute, the Polar Bears doubled their lead following a cross into the box that was headed just past senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan, giving the Polar Bears a 2-0 halftime advantage.

After one half of play, the Polar Bears managed to unload 12 shots as opposed to the Crusaders total of four. 

As the second half unfolded, the Crusaders were able to manufacture a few opportunities, increasing their shot total to seven in the second half, 11 total for the match. 

"I'm really pleased with the effort of those who played in the second half," said head coach Chris Kouns. "We created some dangerous opportunities that their goalkeeper came up big on a few times."

However, Capital was unable to find the back of the net, as the Polar Bears went on to win, 2-0, in the Crusaders fifth OAC regular season match.

"Obviously we were very disappointed to lose," Kouns said. "Not sure if it was a result of yesterday's game, but we came out very flat in the first half and just did not play very well."

Kouns did point out though that the second half proved to be a potential building block for the remainder of the Crusaders regular season conference schedule....

vs. Marietta

COLUMBUS – The Capital University women's soccer team dominated in a 5-0 win over Marietta on Tuesday afternoon, improving to 4-2 in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Capital's first half was jump started by senior Hilary Ells, who scored four goals in the opening frame, giving the Crusaders a commanding 4-0 advantage at the half.

In addition, the Crusaders managed to unload 17 shots, 12 of them on goal, in the first half.

As the second half unfolded, the Crusaders unveiled a fresh set of 11 players on the field, who added to the team's lead in the 85^th minute of play, as freshmanJackie Kelly put the finishing touches, from just outside the box, on an assist by senior Alyssa Goodnight.

"In the second half, I thought a couple of the players who came in did very well for themselves," said head coach Chris Kouns. "Madison (Palmer) really did a good job showing for the ball and playing short connecting balls to help us get forward."

In total, Capital manufactured 13 shots on goal out of a total of 22 shots.

"We had some individuals step forward today and turn up their sleeves to work on the little things," Kouns said. "That should benefit us in the coming week."

Leading the way for the Crusaders was Ells, recording four goals on the afternoon, the most scored in a Capital women's soccer match since Joey Hayes did so against Bluffton in 1999. Ells now sits atop the Crusaders list this season in both points (24) and goals (12).

"Obviously Hilary Ells really turned up her work rate today and that made the difference for us in the final third," Kouns said. "If she brings that work rate on a consistent basis down the stretch, we will be able to make a good run in the OAC Tournament.".....

For more information including the full stories, box scores and the remainder of our schedule please check out our website: http://athletics.capital.edu/sports/wsoc/index