Women’s Soccer Loses YSCC Championship in Penalty Shootout

Pottersville, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College Women's Soccer Team lost a heartbreaker in the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) title game on Sunday, dropping their game to NHTI in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Saturday's Semifinal against Central Maine CC saw a strong start from the Bobcats blossom into a goal in the 17th minute as Katrien Roefs (Bainbridge, NY) buried the ball in the back of the Mustang net off of a corner kick.

The 32nd minute saw the Bobcats double their lead as Micaela Diller (Marlton, NJ) sent a beautiful chip over the goalie from 30 yards out to make it 2-0 going into the half.

A goalie change for the second half wasn't enough to stop the Bobcats as Hayleigh Gates (West Winfield, NY) collected a nice through ball from Roefs and torched four Mustang defenders on her way to goal to slot the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0.

A late goal from the Mustangs with four minutes left in regulation wasn't enough as goalkeeper Peyton Hoffman (Ilion, NY) and defenders Carley Simmons (Heuvelton, NY), Maddy Jackson (New Bern, NC), Jamey Roy (Anchorage, AK), and Nat Ross (Springfield, VA) slammed the door shut to preserve the win.

"We knew this was going to be a tough game but we had prepared so much for it," said Kelvey McGinnis, head coach for the Bobcats.

"The team stuck to our game plan and executed it perfectly - it was the best soccer I've seen us play and I love the energy everyone brought on the field."

The win on Saturday against the #2-seeded Mustangs sent the #3-seeded Bobcats to the title game against #1-seeded NHTI Lynx to play for the YSCC championship trophy.

On Sunday, the Lynx put the pressure on early but the Bobcats came up with excellent defending in their half, limiting scoring opportunities and keeping it tied at 0-0 going into the half.

The second half saw a more equal run of chances as Hayleigh Gates and Pailin Hample (Long Lake, NY) had a few encouraging breakaways that got the team up into the offensive third.  When the end of regulation hit, the intensity didn't fade as Gates received a great through ball from Maddy Jackson in the first overtime that was just barely saved by the NHTI keeper.  First-year players Hample and Delani Osborne (Fort Duchesne, UT) really stepped up during the overtime and kept the intensity and energy high.

With the score still tied at 0-0 at the end of 120 minutes, the game was destined for a penalty shootout.  NHTI edged out PSC 4-3 in pks, but nobody hung their heads as both teams left the field with pride, dignity, and the personification of sportsmanship in a hard fought championship game.

"I truly couldn't be prouder of this team," said McGinnis.

"We have been through a lot this season and working together to come out second in the conference is a success in my eyes.  We put up a fight today and didn't hang our heads once. This team has made my first year as head coach so beyond memorable, I won't ever forget it."

Hayleigh Gates was named not only 1st Team All Conference, but also YSCC Player of the Year, finishing with 11G/8A for 30 points in just 11 games.

"I'm so proud of the team and how far we've come since the beginning of the season.  This weekend our underclassmen stepped up, and everyone played their hardest.  We did what we needed to pull an incredible upset on Saturday against CMCC, and dug deep Sunday in the final vs. NHTI.  We may have come just short in penalty kicks, but our hustle, grit, and perseverance for 120 minutes with double overtime reflected otherwise.  We never gave up, and we hope to receive a National Bid so we can keep on working," said Gates.

Fellow senior and fellow 1st Team All Conference Katrien Roefs echoed Gates' sentiments.

"We played with incredible heart and determination, we did not let down until the very end. Although we came just short of the outcome we wanted, I will always be proud of this team for getting to where we did," added Roefs.

The Bobcats sit at 7-4-2 overall and will anxiously await bid day on Wednesday, Novemberll 6th to see if they will get an invite to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Women's Division II National Tournament.

You can follow the women's soccer team on Instagram at @paulsmiths_wsoccer or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for scores, highlights, pictures, and much more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.