After an unprecedented run of dominance in the SoCon women’s soccer landscape, Samford suffered a 1-0 loss to Western Carolina in the Tournament Final.
This was Samford’s fifth straight appearance in the SoCon Tournament Final, and if the Bulldogs had won today, it would have been their third consecutive tournament title.
WCU’s Naya Marcil scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute of action. It was all defense the rest of the way, as Samford scored zero of the nine shots they attempted throughout the game. Head Coach Todd Yelton admitted that WCU was a tough opponent for the women’s soccer team.
“That’s a good team (Western Carolina),” Yelton said. “This was a crazy atmosphere here. We gave up a goal on a set piece. We got a few looks, and these games come down to who finishes their chances, and Western did. Chad Miller is an excellent coach and has an excellent team.”
This loss especially stings for the ten seniors who will never again suit up for Samford. Zoe Clevely, Kyla Reynolds, Layla Brown, Taylor Yount, Lindsay Origliasso, Nikki Bario, Jennifer Seward, Mary Raymond, Alyssa Conarton and Kylie Gazza are all finished after ten eventful careers. Origliasso, Seward, and Raymond were named on the All-SoCon Tournament team.
“I love these kids, and I’m grateful I got to coach them,” Yelton said. “You can look at the stat sheet and see what kind of kids we have from a soccer standpoint, but that doesn’t always reveal their character and who they are and what they’re going to be in life. They’re going to be these massive successes in life because they’re amazing people, hard workers, high achievers and they love people.” For the first time in two years, Samford women’s soccer will enter the postseason without a conference title. With ten seniors leaving, a rebuild could be in the works. However, knowing Yelton’s patented plan for long-term success, fans can expect the Bulldogs to be fighting for a SoCon title again next season.
Sports Editor
