Early goal eliminates Chapman from soccer playoffs

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The unranked Chapman University women's soccer team hung right with No. 2-ranked Hardin-Simmons University for 90 minutes, but the Cowgirls scored the game's only goal in the 10th minute of play and held on to defeat the Panthers 1-0 in the first round of NCAA Division III women's soccer championships at Trinity University on Saturday.

The loss eliminates the Panthers from their second postseason berth in three years and brings an end to a season which saw them win their first ever SCIAC Tournament championship.

Junior F Taylor Thigpen scored the game-winner just 9:52 into the game on an assist from senior M Katie Kuykendall, giving unbeaten Hardin-Simmons (18-0-1) an early lead it would maintain for the rest of the game.

The Cowgirls controlled the first half, out-shooting Chapman 15-3 over the first 45 minutes. Freshman GK Gabrielle Cohen made all four of her saves in the period. The Panthers defense forced more balance in the second half, limiting Hardin-Simmons to just four shots.

Chapman (16-6-1) managed just six shots in the game, forcing Cowgirls' freshman GK Lexi Stinson to make three saves. All three Panther shots on goal came from junior M Val Sobol who played all 90 minutes.

The Panthers' 16 wins are their most since 2000 when they set a school record with 17 victories in reaching the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA playoffs.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wsoc/2012-13/boxscores/20121110_inmu.xml

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