Pfeiffer shocks UMO in women's soccer

By UMO Media Relations
Published in Sports on November 3, 2015 1:48 PM

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UMO Media Relations

RALEIGH -- University of Mount Olive's best season in four years ended with a 3-0, quarterfinal-round upset loss to sixth-seeded Pfeiffer University in the Conference Carolinas women's soccer tournament on a wet Monday afternoon.

The match was played at CASL Field due to heavy rains which made conditions unplayable at Amon Field -- the Trojans' home pitch.

UMO shut out Pfeiffer in two regular-season meetings.

But the Falcons connected on goals in the 2nd, 34th and 81st minutes. Pfeiffer led total shots 14-3, while each team attempted four penalty kicks.

Trojan keeper Stephanie McCoy collected four saves. The junior started in 15 games and recorded a total of 75 saves. She was 7-6-2 in nearly 1,500 minutes of action between the pipes this season.

Despite the loss, Reid Clewis became the first head women's soccer coach in UMO history to post a winning record (9-6-2 overall) during his first season.

"The girls worked extremely hard all year and did everything I asked of them," said Clewis, whose team finished 6-3-1 in its last 10 outings of the season.

"We achieved our goal of finishing in the top four in the conference. Unfortunately, things did go our way today, but I'm proud of what the team accomplished this season."

In 17 matches, the Trojans outscored the opposition 39-22. Nichole Poppe emerged as the team leader in goals scored (11), assists (7) and total points (29). Ellie Barnes contributed eight goals, while Christine Rocchio provided six goals -- including a hat trick in the team's regular-season finale against Emmanuel (Ga.) College.

It was the final game for 10 University of Mount Olive seniors -- Barnes, Rocchio, Kelsey Cirrito, Sydney Nelsen, Hope Perry, Maddy Robak, Madeline Russell, Jen Sickles and Niza Vera.