Eagles Take 4th at NCCAA Nationals

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Asbury women’s soccer ends their 2011 campaign with their best finish at the NCCAA National Tournament, a fourth-place finish after a tough 1-0 loss to Mount Vernon Nazarene on Saturday.  The Eagles’ previous best finish was sixth place in 2008.

The Eagles (13-10-2) created several threats in the first half including a ball off the foot of Emily Lawson that was just kept from clearing the goal line by keeper Lexus Andolino.  The Cougars would score in the 35th minute as Brittney Bogantz knocked home a corner from Jessica Linger.

Asbury would create possibly their best chance all game long inside the final 10 seconds of the half.  As Mount Vernon looked to clear the ball and get to the half, Asbury was able to punch the ball over the back line as Rebecca Batey ran past everyone and got to it before the keeper.  Time would run out before the shot would reach the goal line and it would be just wide but with a few more seconds on the clock, could have become the equalizer.

Mount Vernon would take 15 shots to only six for Asbury, but the Eagles would put five of those on goal.  Maegan Rogers would make seven saves in goal for the Eagles as her career comes to an end.  Rogers would be named to the All-Tournament Team along with junior defender Jessica Batey after the Eagles' defense allowed only three goals in three games.