Scots dominate regular season pitch with playoff hopes

The Maryville College women’s soccer team has been named regular season conference winners, while the men’s team placed second in the conference standings. 

The men’s team recently held their senior night for a slew of upperclassmen student athletes,  including Chris Fernandez, Gavin Doughtery, Alexander Rigatti, Aaron Rucker, Kai Miettinen, Trevor McDonald, Ross Mcliwraith and Kyle Bennett. 

In talking to the Sports Information Department, Aaron Rucker reflected on his time on and off the pitch at Maryville College.

  “On the field, [the] best memories were definitely winning the two championships here,” Rucker said. “Off the field, it would probably be being able to spend the time I have with the people I’ve met.” 

Rucker said he has learned multiple life lessons during his time here, and his coach has instilled valuable skills into him such as being punctual and being a leader.

The women’s team celebrated three seniors, Kelly Allen, Shannon Reagan and Hannah Clothier.

Shannon Reagan has proven to be one of the best players that Pepe Fernandez has ever had. Reagan led the conference in almost every offensive stat with nine assists, 19 goals and 47 points. She was recently named the USA South Player of the Year. 

“It’s incredible and humbling,” Reagan said, when asked about the honor. “To go out senior year and do that is just something I can’t even put words to.”

One of her favorite moments on the pitch was watching Kelly Allen score her first goal on senior night. 

“It was just so special for her,” Reagan said. “All the girls wanted the seniors to score—and just the love we received from them the whole day. That is probably my favorite experience.”

One of the other most highly recognized student athletes that Coach Fernandez has is Allen, who  picked up her first career goal on MC’s senior night. 

“Making my first goal on my senior night with all of my teammates will easily be one of the most memorable moments in my college career,” Allen said.

Allen started her collegiate career at Tenessee Tech before transferring in to Maryville. She earned first team West All-Conference team during her sophomore year after having started all 19 games that season leading a defense that allowed a mere 16 goals against them.

When asked about some of her favorite memories, she shared Regan’s sentiment about her fellow athletes and friends. 

“Some of my favorite moments have included my teammates that double as my best friends that I have spent time with on and off the field over the last 3 years,” Allen said. “To say there are plenty of favorite moments is an understatement.” 

The women’s team won the quarterfinals match on Nov. 2 as the men took their first-round game after them. Both teams will continue through semifinals for the conference.

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