Shootout loss ends Patriots’ season

Patriots’ Lauren Thomas (14) fights for a second attempt at a goal against Comets’ Kayla Day (17), but was thwarted by goalie Katelyn Flory. Photo by Jessica Sibbing.

ABILENE—Two University of Texas affiliates finished a 21/2 hour battle Saturday with Dallas defeating Tyler in an 11-10 semi-final game shoot out at Hardin-Simmons Soccer Complex.

The game between the American Southwest Conference tournament contenders settled on kicks after 110 minutes of regulation and overtime ended in a scoreless draw.

Defense dominated the first half. The Patriots had four shots on goal to the Comets one. Patriots Lauren Thomas’ shot in minute 20 hit the crossbar. Analiz Medina had a shot blocked in the 30th minute.

UT-Dallas failed to convert on two corner kicks and a free kick during the half, as did the UT-Tyler. The Patriots controlled the ball most of the second half. The Comets continued to play good defense despite being tired.

Both teams failed to capitalize in the first overtime. The Patriots continued to control the ball, but missed more opportunities in the second overtime.

The Comets kicked first in penalty kicks and scored on their first three attempts. The Patriots missed their first two and made the third.

Emily Hokanson missed what could have been UTD’s winning shot and Lauren Pate scored for Tyler to force a fifth round of kicks.

Katie Makanani missed as well to force the Patriots hand. Lauren Daily answered for the Patriots. After five rounds the penalty kick session becomes sudden death. Both teams scored six consecutive times before the Comets Samantha Sang hit the crossbar.

Left to right: junior Ashley Crawford is comforted by sophomore Emily Bechdol, on the field after the Patriots lost in the semi-final match of the ASC championship tournament to University of Texas at Dallas. The Comets won in an 11-10 sudden death shootout. Photo by Ryan Pinkham.

Comets goalkeeper Andrea Jones blocked the Patriots potential winning kick in the 12th round. Jones also blocked Lauren Pate’s shot in round 14 to win the match.

The Patriots suffered a 2-1 defeat in double overtime against UT-Dallas in the regular season. “We’ve had a challenging season,” Comet coach John Antonisse said. “The resilience of the players to stick with what we have been doing is just unbelievable.”

“The girls played amazing,” Patriots coach Stefani Webb said. “I don’t think we could have done any more. It was a very unlucky game for us.” “I’m proud of all my girls,” Patriot captain Ashley Crawford said. “I’m proud of all the hard work we’ve done this season and how much we’ve improved.

We’re going to go through the same cycle next year and start day one working hard to get back to the championship next year.”

Goalkeeper Sam Fraser ended her Patriot career with her 15th career shutout. Lauren Thomas led the Patriots with seven goals on the season. Kendall Kramer finished second on the team with five. Amanda Thomas, Analiz Medina and Leah Solomon all finished with four assists to lead the Patriots.

The Patriots end the season 12-4-1 overall, 10-3 in conference play. Both win totals tie the program’s record.

Tournament note: Hardin-Simmons defeated UT-Dallas 3-0  to win their seventh consecutive American Southwest Conference championship.