Sports Reporter
The last time the Maverick women’s soccer team (10-7-4, 7-3-4 RMAC) saw the RMAC Championship game was in 2000. Eleven years later, the Mavs would make an encore appearance.
The Mavericks began their playoff run at Walker Field, hosting the Metro State Roadrunners in the quarterfinals. After a 2-1 victory, the Mavericks traveled to Regis University for semi-final play, resulting in a 1-0 win sending CMU to the RMAC Championship. On Sunday against Colorado Mines, the Mavs’ playoff run ended with a 2-0 loss.
“We got to host our first playoff game, which was a first for the program,” coach Erin Sharpe said. “It’s milestone after milestone and along the way, we’re looking for the NCAA bid as well.”
In the physical game against Metro State, defense played a key component in the win. CMU goalie Sarah Schnetzler had eight saves for the Mavericks.
With only 18 minutes remaining in the first half, senior Kelly Parkhurst found the back of the net from 30 yards out to put the Mavericks up 1-0.
“It’s always good to score the first goal,” Parkhurst said. “It was good to get our momentum going.”
With 10 minutes left to play in the first half, a CMU foul resulted in a Metro State goal and tied the game 1-1 going into the second half.
The Mavericks started the second half strong, controlling possession. With only 14 minutes remaining in the game, Parkhurst found the net again from 25 yards out, putting CMU up 2-1 over the Roadrunners. The defense held strong, and the Mavericks we re victorious.
“The range that I shot both those shots at is my range,” Parkhurst said. “I’m better at the long shots, so I knew that I could keep putting those over her head.”
The Mavericks then headed to Regis University to take on the Rangers for the semi-finals and a spot in the RMAC championship.
The Rangers controlled the game early with nine shots, seven of which were on goal. Schnetzler had six saves in the first half for the Mavericks.
Freshman Kaitlynn Holt scored the only goal of the game, which put CMU in the lead in the 60th minute 1-0. The Maverick defense capitalized, and was able to hold Regis from scoring, even though the Rangers collectively outshot the Mavericks.
On Sunday, CMU faced Colorado School of Mines for the RMAC Championship.
Both teams brought stellar defense for the beginning of the game, allowing only four shots apiece in the first half. 19 minutes into the game, Mines scored when Schnetzler left the box, putting Mines ahead of CMU 1-0.
After 45 minutes, no goals had been scored by either team. CMU’s Sara Islas had a close call with a header but fell short in her attempt. In the 87th minute, Colorado Mines found the net once more to lead CMU 2-0 with only three minutes remaining.
With the loss, an NCAA bid will be decided on and the Mavericks will know if they are in the tournament Monday at 5:30 p.m.
cncooper@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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