Lady Bison Soccer finishes as runner-up

Kervy Robles, Sports Editor

After qualifying as champions of NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) Central Regional, Oklahoma women’s soccer team headed to Kissimmee, Fla. to compete in the NCCA National Championship.

The Lady Bison had an exceptional start by beating Cincinnati Christian by 3-0 and Trinity Christian 1-0 in the first two days of pool play.

The two victories sent OBU to the semifinals against Campbellsville.

An early own goal and a contribution by Kenzi Bice sentenced a 2-0 triumph for Oklahoma Baptist.

The Lady Bison was placed in the final championship against Colorado Christian University.

“Before the final, we had a clean sheet and scored six goals,” goalkeeper Emma Beck said. “I think people saw us as favorites to win this title. We had many opportunities and you only win if you score. They did.”

OBU had 16 shots on goal while Colorado Christian attempted eight throughout the game.

The lone goal came in the 19th minute of the match when Sarah Feller placed a shot over Beck from the midfield.

“We dominated during the majority of the 90 minutes,” midfielder Kenzi Bice said. “The team is very disappointed because we worked so hard for this.”

The Lady Bison finished runner-up at the NCCAA national championship with a 15-6-1 overall record.

Beck, Emmily Infante, and Reagan Mann were named to the All-Tournament Team.

“It is a positive season overall,” midfielder Infante said. “This experience will shape us for the next season where we will improve our way to play based on past mistakes.”

Bice and Ruth King were awarded to the All-Great American Conference Women’s Soccer First Team.

Defenders Jennifer Goethe and Lara Haring-Lovett were named All-GAC Second Team.

While Kerregan Edwards and Kelsey Bumgamer earn All-GAC Honorable Mention Team.

Six Lady Bison concluded their soccer career at OBU, including seniors Beck, Markella Suka, Bize, Kierra Mattingly, Brenda Barnett and Kayla Kendall.