The Pomona-Pitzer women’s soccer season ended on a somber note Saturday after a rough defeat at the hands of Chapman University in the SCIAC finals. The final score of the game was 4-1 in favor of Chapman. While the Sagehens came into the contest ready and prepared for victory, it turned out just not to be their day. In a single-elimination tournament format, 90 minutes can be the difference between a championship trophy and a loss.
The game started off tough for the Sagehens. Chapman got on the board first in the 17th minute with a goal off a scramble in front of the goal box. Despite their efforts, the Sagehen defense was unable to clear the ball out of their own 18-yard box, which allowed Chapman to take the important early lead.
The first half went downhill from there.
Chapman tacked on another goal to make it 2-0 with 12 minutes left in the half. They then scored again late to put the Sagehens in a 3-0 hole heading into the locker room at halftime.
At halftime, the Sagehens recognized that it was going to take a display of incredible heart and desire to get back into the game. If the rest of the season was any indicator, it was clear that if anyone could do it, it was this soccer team.
Unfortunately, the “soccer gods” turned out to be completely uninterested in witnessing an epic comeback.
The Sagehens pushed hard coming out of halftime but were beaten back with 25 minutes left in the game when Chapman added on a final goal to make it 4-0.
Refusing to accept defeat and determined to leave the field with their heads held high, the Sagehens finally got on the scoreboard late in the half. Allie Tao PO ’14 scored a spirit-lifting goal off a great individual effort from Amanda Coba PO ’15 to make it 4-1, but it was a little too late for the Sagehens.
Although it was a bitter ending to a fantastic season, the spirits of the players and coaches remained high after the game.
“We really let SCIAC know what’s up by upsetting California Lutheran and making it to the championship, and it was a bummer that it didn’t go our way on Saturday, but it gave us a clear goal to work toward for next year, and we’re ready to get after it in the offseason.” Charlotte Fisken PO ’14 said.
Fisken’s teammates echoed her message. “I’m proud of the team, just sad to see the seniors go,” Arianna Sanchez PO ’14 said.
Formal recognition of the Sagehens’ hard work and success this season came later in the week when both Captain Jordan Bryant PO ’13 and Tao were named to the SCIAC First-Team All-District squad. Other acknowledgements went to Captain Claire Mueller PO ’13, who received the honor of Second-Team.
Overall, it was a great fall for the ladies of PPWS, who cannot wait for another crack at the SCIAC title.
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