Cowley College women’s soccer team has season come to an end at national tourney

One year removed from upsetting second-seed Seminole State College (OK) at the national tournament, the 11th-seed Cowley College women's soccer team was hoping for a repeat performance when they faced the second-seeded Trojans on Tuesday at the SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, KS. Unfortunately, Seminole State had different plans as they avenged the earlier defeat with a 3-0 victory over the Lady Tigers.

"Playing for the second time in 24 hours the girls were worn out, but I am proud of the girls," Cowley head coach Roberto dos Santos said.  

Cowley finishes the season with a record of 11-7-3. Seminole State College finishes the year with a record of 19-1-2. Daytona State (FL) defeated Cowley and Seminole State to advance out of Pool B.

On Tuesday, Lady Tiger goalkeeper Marin Peoples was under constant pressure, making five saves in the game's first 15 minutes. The Trojans finally broke through when Megan Knapp scored off an assist from Jillian Powell with 29 minutes remaining in the first half.

Knapp would add her second goal of the game when she blasted a shot from 25 yards out over the had of Peoples to increase Seminole State's lead to 2-0 with 5:48 before halftime.

Cowley continued to battle but could not cut into the lead as they went into the half trailing 2-0.

Playing with the wind advantage in the second half, the Lady Tigers put several shots on goal but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Trojans would tack on to their lead when Ashley Perez scored to make it 3-0 with 21:34 left to play Seminole State would hold on from there as they went on to the 3-0 win.

Cowley will say goodbye to sophomore Hina Suzuki, the Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and to second-team all-conference selection Himari Sato, who helped the Lady Tigers to back-to-back national tournament appearances.

Other sophomores playing their final games for the Lady Tigers were goalkeeper Marin Peoples, Manuela Gorny, Evellyn Borges, Carme Escamilla, Anne Fernandes, Riley Perdue, and Isabella Urbanetto.

"Those girls were amazing for us and love Cowley College," dos Santos said.

Second Team all-conference performer Mai Line Geffry highlights a strong freshman class that has a chance to return to Cowley and help the Lady Tigers make a run at a third straight national tournament appearance.

"The returning players can hold the newcomers accountable and show them the way things are done," dos Santos said.