Troy University Athletics
Troy University
South Alabama
Trojans Qualify for Postseason Play
10/30/2009 11:00:00 PM | Soccer
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University soccer team knew heading into Friday's match with South Alabama that a win would guarantee them a spot in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament next week in Boca Raton. If they faltered against the Lady Jags, then they would need some help from FIU on Friday night.
The Trojans decided to take things into their own hands on Friday, scoring an early goal in the first half and holding off South Alabama for the 1-0 tournament-clinching victory in front of a packed crowd at the Trojans Soccer Complex.
The victory by Troy (9-9-1, 5-6 Sun Belt) over the Lady Jags clinched the school's bid to the postseason, and will be one of eight teams battling for the conference championship next week.
"We got into the tournament with the win today," head coach Chris Bentley said. "Hopefully we can go in there and pull off a couple of upsets.
With the loss, South Alabama concludes their season with a record of 3-15-1 and a 1-9-1 Sun Belt record.
The last time the Trojans reached the conference championship was in 2005 after the fell to Middle Tennessee in overtime to get knocked out in the first round of action.
Troy battled the Lady Jags on the offensive end of the field, but just could not finish the opportunities that erupted.
Senior Bridget Duke put Troy on the board in the 26th minute when she volleyed the ball, not once but twice over the defenders from South Alabama, and hammered the ball just over the outstretched arms of the USA goalkeeper Katie Berry.
The first half lead put the Trojans ahead of its' opponents at halftime for the fifth time this season. A quiet second half put the Trojans at an offensive battle outscoring the Jags 12-4.
The seniors shined as they walked off their home turf for last time on Friday. Duke, Laura Hopson, and Megan Bonfield fired off two shots a piece, totaling six.
"It's an exciting thing and I am so happy for the seniors," said Bentley. "What a great day for them to get a win and walk to out of here with smiles on their faces."
Sophomore Mary Morris tallied four shots on the night bringing her season total to 35 shots. Goalkeeper Ashley Branham pulled off her fifth shutout of the season, and made three saves against the Lady Jags.
The Trojans head down to Boca Raton as the Sun Belt Championships kick off on November 4, The games can be seen on Sun Belt Extra for a cost of $9.95.
