Danny Holland The Metropolitan
Metro women's soccer senior back Meisha Pyke gets up and defends a cornerkick against Regis in the RMAC Championship game Friday, Nov. 6. The Roadrunners shut out the Rangers 1-0 after a goal scored by Pyke, who was also named Tournament MVP.
'Runners: On top of the hill
by Matthew Gunn
The Metropolitan
It's been said that the third time is a charm. On Saturday, Nov. 6, the No. 2 Metro women's soccer team (20-1-0) faced-off against No. 11 Regis University (18-4) for the second time in as many weeks. This time, it resulted in a 1-0 shutout win for the 'Runners. This time, the game was for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament title and a chance to secure home field for the upcoming NCAA regional tournament.
The RMAC tournament began on Friday with a 2-0 win for Regis over the CSU-Pueblo Thunderwolves (9-6-4). The Rangers' win set up another showdown between the two most powerful teams in the region: Regis and Metro State.
"We know they're going to be tough games ahead," said senior midfielder Adrianne Almaraz about going into the postseason. "We know that we have to come out on top of our game and make sure that everyone is healthy and ready to play."
Saturday's match saw two familiar foes battle for the conference crown. Neither team was willing to make the first mistake, as they knew any sign of hesitation could be the difference between victory and defeat. It was an even match throughout: each team took only 14 shots in the game and both defenses played to their highest level.
The difference came with only five minutes remaining in the first half. Metro set up for a corner kick and the result was a clutch goal for senior defender Meisha Pyke. It was a goal that would ultimately seal the win for the Roadrunners. With the goal in place, it was up to the Metro goalkeepers to secure the title. With the help of an outstanding 'Runner defense, a combined effort in net from junior Mandy Allen and freshman Sarah Leonhard kept Regis off the board. The game finished 1-0 and the victory gave Metro the right to host the upcoming NCAA regional tournament.
Danny Holland / The Metropolitan
Metro junior defender Stephanie Prouty jumps to fight for a ball against Regis Saturday, Nov. 6. Prouty was part of a defense who only gave up five shots on goal in the contest.
"Playing with composure and keeping the momentum going are important," said head coach Danny Sanchez. "We really need to finish our chances. If we get that second goal it's a different game."
The Roadrunners take the top seed into the regional beginning 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 12. Metro will play fourth seed, West Texas A&M in the first round-not to be confused with the third seed Texas A&M-Commerce, who will play second seed Regis in the second semifinal. If the Rangers play to their potential, it could set up a fourth game between Regis and Metro for the regional championship, at 12 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14.
The 'Runners are confident in their game and know what they are capable of going into the tournament.
"We know we are going to have a hard road ahead," said junior midfielder Jodi McGann. "But we'll overcome it." |
