CHICKASHA, Okla. – One of the most successful – and, for coach
Shiloh Posey, satisfying – seasons in Wayland Baptist women's soccer history ended here Tuesday night when the Pioneers fell to Science & Arts of Oklahoma in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals, 3-0.
Third-seeded Wayland (11-5-1) – coming off their rousing 1-0, double-overtime victory over Oklahoma City in the quarterfinals – managed to get off only five shots against the second-seeded Drovers (16-4), who scored goals in the 19
th, 60
th and 68
th minutes. The Pioneers' freshman goalkeeper,
Kanade Morita, recorded a season-best 15 saves, but it wasn't quite enough against the high-powered Drovers, who are ranked the equivalent of 26
th in the NAIA.
"If you just look at the stats, it seems like the game was one-sided. If you watched the game, I'd say that wasn't so much the case," Posey said. "In the beginning, we pressed them and were able to get a couple of turnovers, but couldn't capitalize on the opportunities. We did a much better job of doing our jobs, which kept us in the game.
"I have to applaud Kanade for her efforts in goal tonight…15 saves to her credit. She played a big part, along with our back line, of turning away so many attacks. Our midfield and attacking players did an outstanding job of battling all night, and the ladies on the sideline were encouraging throughout the match. Each one did all they could in the effort to get us to the final tonight, and I'm pleased with the effort."
In essence, Wayland played the Drovers twice as close as when the teams met Oct. 16 in Chickasha and Science & Arts won, 6-0.
The Pioneers managed just two shots on-goal, by
Mayra Sosa and
Bianca Roman.
The Drovers advance to the conference tourney final against sixth-ranked, top-seeded John Brown, which trounced fourth-seeded Mid-America Christian, 5-0.
For Wayland, meanwhile, the season goes down as the second-most successful in school history, as far as number of wins. The 11 victories trails only the 13 put up in 2013.
Posey couldn't say enough about his team and its season.
"What a great ride! These ladies brought pride, courage and complete effort to the game tonight. It didn't end with the result we wanted, but the more important, lasting results were truly evidenced tonight. Each one represented themselves, the team and WBU in the best way possible. They are examples of what is best about our student athletes.
"I've done this job a long time, and I have to say that they are among the finest people that I've had the privilege to know. If they approach their lives with the same passion, courage, joy and discipline as they did this season, they will succeed in any endeavor they choose.
"I wish each of them the best. Thank you for the memories, ladies!"
