Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon the Columbia College women's soccer team was back in action when they hosted the William Woods University Owls in an AMC matchup. The Cougars would tie the Owls in a thrilling double overtime game. The Cougars are currently 12-4-1 on the season and finish 10-1-1 in conference play.
The Cougars had an aggressive start as they had seven shots with three on goal in the first 15 minutes of the match. As the first half continued, Columbia was gunning to get on the board first. The Cougars kept the pressure on as they had multiple opportunities to hit the net, but the score remained scoreless with 16 minutes left before the break. The game was deadlocked at halftime as Columbia had 13 shots with six on goal, while the Owls were held to one shot and zero on goal.
The second half was underway, and the Cougars continued to knock on the door as Abigail Meyer dinged one off the crossbar. With 33:55 on the clock, William Woods snuck one in the net taking a 1-0 lead over Columbia. The Cougars were looking to answer as they hit another ball off the goal post. Lucy Kingsley gave Columbia new life as Kelsey Mirts fed Kingsley right in front of the goal to tie the match 1-1 with 22 minutes left. Just under 15 to play, and the Owls scored on almost an identical play as their first goal going up 2-1. There was 9:57 on the clock, when Samantha Bassler displayed some great footwork, giving herself just enough space to send one off the goalie's fingertips, tying the match 2-2. The Cougars showing some grit, coming back from behind twice, would send the game to overtime on senior night.
The fight continued as each team took the field for overtime. The game remained knotted at 2 heading into the second overtime. It was a physical battle throughout, while neither team was able to strike during the extra time. The game would end in a 2-2 tie.
Erin Jones was in goal for the Cougars as she recorded two saves on the night.
The women's soccer team is back in action on Friday, November 2nd, when they compete in the AMC Quarterfinals. The game is set to start at 6 p.m. at R. Marvin Owens Field. Columbia must await the outcome of the Lindenwood University-Belleville vs. Missouri Baptist University game tomorrow, to determine who will claim the AMC Regular Season Title.
Prior to the game, Columbia took a moment to honor their seniors, Erin Jones, Molly Burke, and Katie Cook for all of their hard work and dedication on and off the field.
Erin Jones, a goalkeeper from Los Angeles, California, plans to graduate this spring double majoring in International Business and Business Administration. Since her arrival, Erin has played in 23 games, with a total of 45 saves holding a save percentage of 0.882, while posting four shutouts. Her favorite memory as a Cougar was going to the National Tournament in Orange Beach, Alabama. Erin would like to thank her family, friends, teammates, and coaches for their constant support.
Molly Burke, a midfielder from Moberly, Missouri, plans to graduate this spring with a degree in Environmental Science, with minors in Anthropology, Biology, and Sociology. Since her arrival, Molly has played in 79 games, tallying nine goals and 12 assists. Her favorite memory as a Cougar was karaoke on the bus. Molly would like to thank the coaching staff, her friends, parents, and sister for all their support and love.
Katie Cook, a defender from Columbia, Missouri, plans to graduate this spring with a degree in Biology. Since her arrival, Katie has played in 81 games, recording 12 goals and 22 assists. She was coined Freshman of the Year in 2015 becoming the third women's soccer player to win the award. She was a member of the AMC Academic All-Conference Team in 2016 and 2017, as well as selected for the 2017 Champions of Character team. Her favorite memory as a Cougar was going to the National Tournament in Alabama. Katie would like to thank her parents for the constant love and support. And also, her coaches and professors she has encountered at CC who have challenged and supported her throughout her college career.
