The Monroe Community College women’s soccer team won its second consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 national championship Sunday, defeating Darton College (Albany, Ga.) 2-1.
Melissa Hornfeck scored the eventual game-winner in the 51st minute for the Tribunes (21-2). Hornfeck, who missed much of the regular season due to injury, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Annemarie Farone scored MCC’s first goal in the second minute. The Tribunes outshot Darton 16-9.
Goalie Megan Thayer came up big for Monroe, stopping eight shots on her way to earning tournament best goalkeeper honors. One of her saves was on a penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ashley Pople was named the outstanding defensive player, while Kerrie Brown made the all-tournament team.
Monroe played two exciting games to reach the title contest. The Tribunes topped Schoolcraft College (Mich.) on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Jenna Iacutone scored in the eighth round of the sudden death shootout to help MCC advance. Her score came just after Bre Gault made a diving stop on a Schoolcraft shot.
Hornfeck scored in the second minute of regulation for Monroe.
The Tribunes were taken to overtime in the semifinals as well, as Brown scored in overtime to give MCC a 2-1 victory Friday evening. Brown’s goal came off an assist from Hornfeck. Colleen Hilliker also found the back of the net and Thayer came up with six saves.
It is the eighth women's soccer national title in MCC's illustrious history.
Tom Garigen
Athletics
11/22/2005 |