Maryville College Women’s Soccer Team Eliminated From Regional Tournament in 6-0 Loss to Thomas More
The Maryville College women’s soccer team ended their season with 14-7-1 record after being eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament in Crestville, VA on Nov. 15.
The Scots were assured their participation in the National Tournament after winning the USA South Athletic Conference Title in Martinsville, VA. The Scots overcame their No. 4 seed placement as they eliminated No. 1 seeded Meredith College and proceeded to defeat the No. 3 seeded Methodist College in a 2-1 game. Both goals were scored by junior Sierra Siegel, the game winning goal coming in double overtime after 101 minutes of play.
This marks the 9th NCAA Tournament appearance for the Scots under head coach Pepe Fernandez. Before this year, the team had not made it this far since 2010.
The Scots went head-to-head with Thomas More College in the first round of the tournament. During the first half, The Scots’ defenders were able to hold off their opposition’s 11 attempts at the goal, but the final attempt made it through. The first attempt at the goal for the Scots came from a corner kick by Sierra Siegel, which was defended. The Scots’ defense was unable to stop the efforts of the opposing offense during the second half, as they dominated with 4 goals in a span of 13 minutes. The Scots’ final attempt at the goal was a free kick in the second half by Rachel Leal that was blocked. The Scots were eliminated from the tournament by a 6-0 loss. The Saints outshot the Scots 24-4 in the game.
Siegel’s performance this season earned her USA South Conference Player of the Year. She led the Conference in goals, points and shots and was third in assists. She scored 18 goals on 79 shots with 8 assists for 44 points. She was also named conference tournament MVP and USA South All-Tournament team as a forward.
Five other Scots achieved conference awards after the team’s successful season. Junior Allyson Hale was awarded First Team All-Conference forward. She had 15 goals and 6 assists this season. At defender, Sophomore Eleni Mavres was named First Team All-Conference and sophomore Mackenzie Hutton was named Second Team All-Conference. Junior Lizzy Simmons was named Second Team All-Conference midfielder. She scored 7 goals for the Scots and performed 5 assists. Goalkeeper Megan Nugent, the sole senior on the team, was awarded All-Sportsmanship for the Conference.