Kent State University
Bowling Green
Flashes Comeback Falls Short in MAC Tournament Semifinal
11/3/2017 10:35:00โฏPM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio โ The Kent State soccer team (13-6-2, 9-2-0 MAC) fell at the hands of the Bowling Green Falcons (13-6-1, 6-4-1 MAC), 2-1, in the MAC Tournament Semifinals on Friday night at Dix Stadium. The Golden Flashes finish the season tied for the second most wins in program history (13) and won the MAC Regular Season Championship for the third time.
"Bowling Green created some opportunities that they finished, but for the majority of the game we couldn't crack their defense," said Kent State head coach Rob Marinaro. "I thought we played better than the first time we saw them, give credit to our team for battling back and still showing a championship mentality of not quitting and fighting to the very end."
Despite a quick start by Kent State, Bowling Green got on the board first in the 21st minute on a goal from Erica Hubert from 15 yards out. The Falcons went into the locker room at halftime with a 1-0 lead, and added a pivotal insurance goal in the 70th minute off a free kick by Rachel Winters.
The Flashes did not quit and battled back in the 79th minute with a goal by senior Hayden Pascoe. She scored her third goal of the season on a header from four yards out on the right off an assist from senior Kristen Brots.
Senior Jaime Eiben sent a rocket toward the goal in the 87th minute, but a tremendous team save was made by the Falcons to prevent the Flashes from tying the match.
"I think as an entire group that the seniors have left us with an expectation to be a championship caliber team, and I think that's why it hurts so much because that's what they strive for," said Marinaro. "Losing is not something we expect or not something we enjoy. Our senior class has done a fantastic job leading this team on and off the field."
Overall Bowling Green led in shots on goal (6-5), and fouls (23-7), while Kent State led in shots (15-9) and corner kicks (4-2).
Junior Ashleah McDonald took the loss (9-4-2) while facing nine shots and made four saves. She finishes the season with 34 career victories, which is second in program history. Victoria Cope (12-5-0) faced 15 shots and made three saves in the victory.
Senior Donavan Capehart closed out her Kent State career finishing sixth in program history in goals (21) and eighth in points (51).
This season marks the second time that Kent State has hosted the MAC Tournament Championships.
The fourth seeded Falcons will play in the MAC Tournament Championship game on Sunday against the three seed Toledo Rockets on Sunday at Dix Stadium.
