Athletic News

11/02/2009 -

Trojans Fall To Belmont Abbey 3-1 In Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Tournament

Boxscore

Fifth-year senior Jessica Smoot not only got to play in her first women’s soccer conference tournament match since 2005, she contributed an assist. Unfortunately, a late rally came up short and the match would be the career finale for Smoot and her fellow seniors.

Tia Rose scored a goal in the 80th minute, but eighth-seeded Mount Olive fell to No. 1 seed Belmont Abbey 3-1 in the first round of the 2009 Conference Carolinas Women’s Soccer Tournament Monday at Belmont, N.C. The loss ends the Trojans’ season at 6-10-4.

With Mount Olive trailing 3-0, Smoot intercepted a service in the Belmont Abbey half and played a through ball to lead Rose past the Crusader defenders. Rose beat the goalkeeper to get the Trojans on the board.

Smoot ranked among the top 10 in the conference with 11 assists during her freshman year, including four in the 2005 conference tournament. She was on a similar pace in her sophomore season when a knee injury ended her season and almost her career. Smoot returned to action in this season’s conference opener in mid-September, but an ankle injury a few matches later would sideline her again.

Smoot started in Saturday’s Senior Day match against Anderson, then came off the bench in both halves Monday.

“For Smoot to come out in the second half, to will herself to contribute, that’s just a testament to what a fantastic lady she is,” said Trojan head women’s soccer coach Matt Hisler. “I wish we could have gotten a win, but I’m happy for her for getting that point.”

Mount Olive narrowly missed scoring an early when Sydney Frielinghausen freed herself for a 20-yard shot in the fourth minute. But Belmont Abbey goalkeeper Kelsey Lovell made the save and Mount Olive would not get another shot until Rose’s goal.

Trojan goalkeeper Lyndsey McIntyre made two of her six saves in the first half, but Belmont Abbey (12-5-0) broke a scoreless tie in the 27th minute when Celene Molera crossed to Rebecca Mateo for an 18-yard goal. Mount Olive held the Crusaders without a shot the remainder of the half to stay within 1-0 at halftime.

Two bad breaks in the second half would turn out to be the difference in the match for Mount Olive.

A wet and muddy field caused by rain over the weekend would lead to a Belmont Abbey penalty kick when a Trojan defender slipped and landed on the ball in the box. Amanda Maddock converted the pk to extend the Crusaders’ lead to 2-0 at the 57:53 mark.

McIntyre recorded a save on Connie Axiotis’ point-blank shot in the 76th minute, but Axiotis put home the deflection to give Belmont Abbey a three-goal lead.

Mount Olive has never beaten Belmont Abbey in women’s soccer, but each of the previous nine matches was decided by one goal. Rose’s goal put Mount Olive within striking range and the Trojans pressured in the final 10 minutes. The Trojans had a corner kick opportunity with 30 seconds left, but were unable to convert as Belmont Abbey ran out the clock.

While disappointed in the result, Hisler had nothing but praise for the team’s effort.

“That’s the kind of effort the team has shown all year,” said Hisler. “No matter what, they never give up, they never get down on themselves. They’re never going to stop battling and they’re always going to play with a lot of heart.

Along with Smoot, Monday’s match marked the finale for Nia Celata, Lauren Condon, Rebeccah Hecke, Carly Lavallee and Jenn Sastre.

“We’re going to miss the seniors and we’re grateful for all they’ve done,” said Hisler. “I wish we were still playing, but we’ve got a lot of outstanding players returning and some talented new players coming in next year. I’m very excited about the future of the Trojan women’s soccer program.”

Mount Olive College, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365  |  1-800-653-0854  |  Fax 919-658-7180