Bees end season with a 3-2 loss at No. 8 Spring Arbor
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
St. Ambrose (IA) (15-6-2) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
|
#8 Spring Arbor (MI) (17-3-0) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
The Bees fought their way into the second round of the NAIA National Tournament after a 5-0 opening round win. St. Ambrose faced No. 8 Spring Arbor for the second round match up, and ended with a close decision that resulted in a loss for SAU in Spring Arbor, Mich. earlier this afternoon. SAU conceded two goals in the opening period, but bounced back in the second half to score two of their own until the Cougars netted the decision maker in the 70th minute of play.
Throughout play, the Bees matched pace with the Cougars, actually out shooting them 13-12 in the game.
Spring Arbor opened the offensive pressure with the first shot of the match in the 10th minute that would force a Grace Kuchar save. Otherwise, it was SAU charging up field to earn their first corner kick and shot of the game.
Play was even throughout the opening minutes, until the Cougars slide a shot right past the Bees defense for the opening goal of the match. SAU would go down a goal in the 25th minute.
That goal did not stop the Bees as they still pressed forward to their own offensive third.
The Cougars netted another goal just before the half time break to extend their lead to two.
At the break, St. Ambrose regrouped to start the final 45 minutes of play.
Not even five minutes into the second half, Taylor DeSplinter connected with Jenna Horst to cut the Cougars lead and put the Bees on the board.
Spring Arbor would try to threaten the Bees defense, but they never caved throughout much of the second half. It was a competitive match most of the second half with both teams making their runs.
The Couagrs netted what would be the eventual game-winner with just 20 minutes left to play.
SAU never stopped to pressure, only needing two more goals for a tie to force extra time. A goal came for them with a little over five minutes left in play, but a second goal was not in store for St. Ambrose.
The first goal scorer for St. Ambrose, Horst, turned herself into the play maker and DeSplinter turned herself into the goal scorer on the last score for SAU. Horst found DeSplinter, who slipped one past the Cougars keeper. This goal was not enough as the Bees dropped the match 3-2.
Kuchar earned four saves through 90 minutes.
With the loss, St. Ambrose will end the 2024 season campaign with a 15-6-2 overall record as they were crowned CCAC regular-season champions and CCAC Tournament champions.