Columbia, Mo. – The Spalding women's soccer team finished the regular season with a 2-1 win against Westminster on the road, Saturday. The Golden Eagles finish the season 10-4-2, 7-1-1 in the SLIAC. The Blue Jays fell to 9-6-1 and 7-2 in conference play.
 
"This was an amazing finish to the season. The determination to make plays has been wonderful. I couldn't be happier. They responded when it counted and have come together to raise their level of play at the right time," commented Coach Shilo Rayburn.
 
The Golden Eagles got on the scoreboard in the 29th minute on a Madison Ratchford goal, assisted by Dee Dee Sliter. Spalding would take the 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.
 
In the second half Sliter got on the board herself in the 47th minute with a goal shot low and in the middle of the frame. This goal was her team-high and career-high 17th of the season as she finished tied with Lyndi Saccaro of MacMurray for the goal lead this season. The goal also gives her the most goals by a single women's player in a season since the Golden Eagles moved to the SLIAC conference in 2009, breaking her own mark.
 
Westminster would make a push late as they had a penalty kick in the 69th minute that was saved by Spalding goalkeeper Kelsie Kaiser. They would score a goal off a cross into the box in the 71st minute by Morgan Henry assisted by Honor Kehde. The Blue Jays would have a couple more chances late but they were saved by Kaiser as well.
 
"To finish fifth [in the conference] last season and now to be runner up, is a testament to the work that has been put in by the players and the coaching staff. This is a truly amazing feeling and they deserve it," Rayburn finished.
 
Westminster outshot the Golden Eagles 11-5 and 8-5 in shots on goal. The Golden Eagles finished second in conference play and will now host the semifinal of the postseason against the Blue Jays on Thursday. The time of the game is TBA.