Asbury (Ky.) claims RSC Women's Soccer Championship with shoot-out win over IU East
Asbury (Ky.) claims RSC Women's Soccer Championship with shoot-out win over IU East
By Asbury Sports Information
WILMORE, Ky. - For the second consecutive season, Asbury (Ky.) University is the River States Conference champion. The Eagles claimed the RSC Women's Soccer Championship on Saturday night by edging IU East in a shootout, 7-6. The teams played to a 0-0, double-overtime tie before penalty kicks decided the conference title.
Asbury (10-7-2) has won back-to-back conference championships for the first time in program history. The Eagles advance to the NAIA National Championship, which begins Nov. 17. IU East ends its 12-win season after a run to the RSC championship match at 12-4-4 overall.
Saturday's championship match was a hard-fought, physical battle. Both teams had several chances to break through and get on the board, but both goalkeepers and defenders stepped up every single time.
The Red Wolves had a great opportunity to score on a breakaway in the final two minutes of the second half, but a huge save from Carley Pyles blocked the ball, and the rebound shot attempt was blocked by Sarah Rocco to prevent what could have been the game-winning goal.
Asbury had several great looks on goal with 14 shots fired off in total during the first two halves and two overtime periods. The Eagles out-shout IU East 8-1 in the first half but were out-shot 7-3 in the second half. Elizabeth Sparks and Courtney Howe each recorded three shots for Asbury.
IU East placed 10 shots in total. Evie Stepaniak had a team-high four shots with two on goal, and Ellie Guenther had two shots on goal.
The first 13 penalty kicks all found the back of the net. Devon Long, Ashely Miller, Amber McIntosh, Georgia Clark, Anna Canyis, Delaney Long, and Courtney Howe each made their PK shot for AU.
Asbury was in with a 7-6 lead in the PKs and needed one save to win the match. Pyles then stepped up and made the game-winning save on an incredible diving block attempt to seal the deal for the Eagles as conference champions.
The NAIA National Championship pairings will be announced on Monday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. CT with the NAIA Women's Soccer Bracket Reveal broadcast airing live on the NAIA Facebook page. To watch the selections live, click here.