GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Spalding women's soccer team was defeated by the Calvin University Knights in the First Round of the NCAA DIII Tournament, 0-3. The Knights moved on to the Round of 32, while SU ended their historic season.
TURNING POINT
It was a competitive first half to open up the NCAA Tournament. Despite Calvin coming into this game with only one loss, the Golden Eagles came out with strong intensity. SU held their own, as
Jordan Schneider made three saves in the half. Spalding and the Knights were battling back and forth, but nobody could take advantage of the other in the opening half. This one went into halftime scoreless, 0-0.
In the second half, it did not take long for Calvin to strike first. Just seven minutes into the half, the Knights found the back of the net which gave them full momentum. Spalding kept fighting back, but it was not enough as Calvin found the back of the net just three minutes later.
Faith Rutherford fired two shots in the half, both landing on target, but the host's goalie would not let anything past. In the 81st minute, Calvin found the back of the net again giving them a comfortable cushion. The Knights went on to win this one, 0-3.
GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES
- Faith Rutherford had three shots, all being on target.
- Jordan Schneider made three saves.
- The Golden Eagles reached their first NCAA Tournament in school history.
- SU won their first-ever SLIAC Championship.
- Spalding ended their season with an overall record of 9-7-3 and 5-3-1 in conference play.
FINISHING OUT THE SEASON
This concludes the 2023 season for Spalding women's soccer. Thank you for all of the support and we will see you all in the 2024 season.
