Thursday, December 5, 2013

EVANS, Ga. – After giving up the game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation, the University of West Florida responded with the game-winner less than five minutes into overtime as senior Sashana Campbell tucked away her second tally of the match in a 2-1 NCAA Division II women’s soccer semifinal victory over Western Washington Thursday afternoon at Blanchard Woods Park.

Trailing 1-0 with 34 seconds remaining, Brina Sych sent in a cross from the right side and Kristin Maris redirected it perfectly into the side netting of the goal. The goal combination from the WWU seniors temporarily kept the Vikings’ season alive as regulation ended with the score tied 1-1.

WWU (20-2-1) displayed newfound energy in overtime, controlling play and creating several chances from close range. Perhaps WWU’s best opportunity came when a shot from Anna Geldenhuys from six yards out was deflected out of bounds by a UWF defender. 

In the blink of an eye, the Argonauts sent a long clear up field to an unattended Campbell, and it was off to the races. The senior carried the ball into the box and beat WWU goalkeeper Alyssa Beauchamp from close range to end the match and set-off an on-field celebration for the Argonauts. 

West Florida (18-0-3) won an early corner kick in the first half, and Beauchamp came up with her first save of the day on a close-range shot on the play. UWF continued to hold momentum early on, winning four corner kicks within the first 10 minutes of play.

A foul against UWF with 16 minutes remaining set up the Vikings with a free kick from the left side of the field. Ashton Griffen curled in a cross with her right foot, and a header shot from Maris sailed just over the crossbar.

Less than a minute later, Maris got her head on a cross from the right side that was only prevented from crossing the goal line by a diving stop from Argonaut goalkeeper Sarah Story.

UWF continued to control the pace through the final minutes of the first half, heading into the break having won nine corner kicks.

Taylor Harbison created a dangerous chance for UWF early in the second, firing a close-range shot that Beauchamp deflected out of bounds. On the ensuing corner kick, a loose ball rattled around the box before the Vikings were finally able to clear it and avoid falling behind.

Stephanie Hamilton created WWU’s best chance of the game 10 minutes into the second, sending a shot towards goal that Story tipped over the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.

With less than 25 minutes remaining, Campbell penetrated the Vikings’ box and beat Beauchamp with a touch before finishing the ball into an open net. UWF held onto the 1-0 lead down the stretch, although WWU picked up its pace and began to develop its attack.

With less than 10 minutes remaining Sych sent in a cross towards the box, but Story denied a shot as she punched the ball clear. The Argonauts’ goalkeeper saved the day once again a few minutes later as she swatted a header shot from Maris wide of the goal mouth.

WWU created several desperation chances down the stretch, but it wasn’t until 34 ticks remained that the Vikings broke through with the equalizer. Just as WWU seemed to gain momentum however, UWF stunned the Vikings as Campbell ended their season midway through the first overtime period.

The Final Four appearance was the first-ever in WWU history, as 11th-year head coach Travis Connell commanded the Vikings to their best season overall.

The Argonauts extended their season to the championship match, continuing their defense of last year’s NCAA Division II title. UWF will face Grand Valley State in Saturday’s NCAA championship match at 9 a.m. Pacific time. The Lakers defeated American International College 4-1 in the first semifinal match of the day.