By Zach DeMarcus
November 29, 2017
 
(ORANGE BEACH, Ala.) Seventh seeded Westmont Women's Soccer (16-4-2) was defeated this evening in the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament by second seed Spring Arbor (Mich.) (22-1-1) with a final score of 2-0. Westmont had a few chances, but Spring Arbor's offense proved to be too much for the Warriors in the end.
 
Westmont head coach Chantel Cappuccilli said, "I thought we were outstanding on the day. Although we didn't come away with the result, there's no doubt in my mind that we kept it a competitive game and had our fair share of opportunities to be put away."
 
Spring Arbor came into the game ranked 2^nd in total shutouts (16) and 3^rd in total goals (96). They were able to add onto both of those numbers tonight.
 
The Cougars' first goal came in the 24^th minute. Westmont's defense had cleared the ball, but Spring Arbor retained possession around midfield. The ball was then played up to Renee Broekhuizen who dribbled up the line before crossing it into the box. Her cross found Kaley Buck in stride where she finished the ball past Westmont keeper Gabi Haw – giving Spring Arbor the early 1-0 advantage.
 
The Warriors created a nice chance for themselves in the 38^th minute when Maddi Berthoud stole the ball and dribbled down the right side of the field. She served a pass into Bri Johnson who headed the ball just over the crossbar – missing the equalizer by inches.
 
With three and a half minutes remaining in the first half, Haw was equal to a Spring Arbor test as she was forced to make a diving save to her right – keeping the score 1-0. Haw did everything that she could to keep the score within reach. She finished the game with three big saves.
 
The score at halftime remained 1-0 in favor of the Cougars.
 
In the 52^nd minute, Buck nearly scored her second goal of the night. She ripped a shot that bounced off the crossbar and after hitting Haw in the back bounced over the net to give the Cougars a corner kick.
 
Cappuccilli said, "I think we exemplified a defensive tenacity in the way that we showed one-versus-one and also as a back line we worked hard together. That was ultimately the goal – to defend as one. We did that today. I think we limited Spring Arbor's opportunities – for the few that they had they put away."
 
Westmont finished the game with five shots on goal, but struggled to connect offensively. Cappuccilli said, "I think the final pass needed to happen. We put ourselves in good positions to find those passes or shots and they didn't necessarily come off. I think we needed that final pass in order to be effective and dangerous."

The final goal of the game came in the 73^rd minute. Aubrey Schierbeek had the ball about 20 yards out. She made a move on a Westmont defender to give her some space. She then fired a shot with her left foot that hit the crossbar and bounced into the back of the net putting the Cougars up by the final score of 2-0.
 
Cappuccilli added, "We faced a lot of adversity this season – especially with injuries. Our team's commitment never wavered. Our belief in ourselves and our ability was never questioned. The team always fought with heart and whoever found themselves in position to step in had the belief that they could get it done. I think that speaks to their character.
 
"Our theme throughout this year was – entitled to nothing, committed to one. I think we really lived that out throughout the course of this season. We never gave up and knew that we could find ourselves in this position later on down the road. I truly believe that we ended up peaking at the right time – unfortunately we didn't come away with the end result," said Cappuccilli.
 
This was the final game for eight Warrior seniors. "I couldn't be more thankful for who our seniors are as people and how they have actively pursued competitive excellence. It takes emotional resilience, mental toughness, selflessness, and desire to remain in a collegiate sport for four years. They've shown a lot of grace and grit throughout their time here. They're fantastic players and even better people. It's been a joy to be with them over four seasons," finished Cappuccilli
 
The Warriors concluded the 2017 season with a record of 16-4-2.