ST. JOSEPH, MINN. - The Washburn Soccer team wins the NCAA Central Region Championship with a 1-0 win over St. Cloud State, and is advancing to the Elite Eight.
"I thought our defensive organization was really good, thought we were hard to break down, and we believe that we will always have a chance to score a goal," said Head Coach
Davy Phillips. "It's fun playing in these different environments that you don't usually play in. I'm proud of the team and how we attacked today with confidence and were so tough in the elements; true warriors!"
"I think our grit plays a big part in it, … We don't take anything for granted, we accept all conditions, and any challenges we face," said Senior
Belle Kennedy
FIRST HALF
Washburn(13-3-6), in the opening 2 minutes, had two shots, one that was saved off onto the crossbar by
Grace Peterson, and another by
Kate Hinck that was saved. In the last minute of the half, the Ichabods had three shots saved by the Huskies' goalie. Washburn outshot St. Cloud 8-1, and had 5 corners to just 1 by the Huskies in the opening 45 minutes.
SECOND HALF
It was a back-and-forth start to the 2nd half with both teams having a shot on goal in the opening 10 minutes. Washburn would have a header by
Grace Peterson in the 68th minute get put into the side netting. The Ichabods finally found the breakthrough in the 75th minute from Senior
Aubrey Tanksley, who headed home a corner by
Bricelyn Betts. Washburn would see out the match to win the Central Region Championship & move on to the Elite Eight.
NOTES
- Washburn moves on to the Elite Eight for the second time in school history.
- The Ichabods recorded their 13th clean sheet of the year.
- Washburn outshot St. Cloud State 12-5, and took 7 corners in the match.
- Senior Aubrey Tanksley scored the winning goal, her first of the season and 7th of her Washburn career.
- Bricelyn Betts recorded her 3rd assist of the year.
- Lili Everley now has the 10th shutout of her Freshman season.
UP NEXT
Washburn will take on the Midwest Region Champion, Missouri - St. Louis, in the Elite Eight this Saturday, December 6th, for a spot in the Final Four.
