RADNOR, Pa. – It took Cabrini's offense 82 minutes to figure out the Centenary defense but after 90 minutes of action, the Cavaliers took their familiar place atop the Colonial States Athletic Conference.
The Blue and White became the first women's soccer team to win four consecutive CSAC championships with today's 2-0 victory over the Centenary College Cyclones. The program's eighth title also extended the Blue and White's win streak to 12 matches and improved its record to 14-6.
With the victory, the Cavaliers earned the CSAC's automatic bid to the 2014 NCAA Soccer Tournament, set to begin next weekend. Next Saturday's first round NCAA Tournament match will mark the program's sixth NCAA Tournament appearance, including five in the last six seasons.
The Blue and White must wait until Monday's NCAA Selection Show, slated to air on NCAA.com at 1 p.m., to learn their tournament fate.
Except for a few perilous minute, the Cavaliers were in control for most of today's championship match, but despite outshooting the Cyclones 6-1 in the opening 45 minutes, the score sheets remained clean.
Cabrini turned up its pressure in the second half, as it recorded 11 shots. That pressure also allowed Centenary to create counterattacks which resulted in four second half shots.
The Cavaliers looked to get on the scoreboard in the 81st minute, but junior
Devon Miller's attempt from the right side bounced off the left goal post. Less than two minute later, the pressure paid dividends.
Senior
Gabby Meck's 83rd minute corner kick found junior
Dana Peterson on the far post, where the junior knocked the ball into the net for her tem leading 11th goal of the season.
While Cabrini was just looking to hold on to its one goal lead, Miller created another chance for herself in the 87thminute. The junior completed this one with her 10th tally of the season coming on a short breakaway.
Peterson earned Most Valuable Player honors after scoring the championship winning goal.
Freshman
Alivia Dietsch recorded a pair of saves to earn her fifth shutout of the season.
Junior
Meghan Martin led the Blue and White with four shots in the win, while Miller, Peterson and senior
Melissa Scanzano posted three each.
Senior Samantha Sysak attempted three of Centenary's (11-8-1) five shots in the loss, while senior goaltender Megan Williams tallied six saves.