LANCERS STOP LADY RAMS, 2-0
November 22, 2008

Box Score

FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University women’s soccer team (11-7) suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of seventh seeded California Baptist University (16-4-1) in the 2008 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Opening Round.

The loss ended the Rams season at 11-7 overall.  At 6-1 in conference play, they won the Red River Athletic Conference regular season title.  The Lady Rams earned their first NAIA National Tournament bid by winning the RRAC tournament championship.

“I am very proud of all of these girls,” said head coach Josh Gibbs.  “None of them can say they didn’t leave it all on the field.  I’m especially proud of our three seniors.  They have raised the bar at Texas Wesleyan.  No soccer player, man or woman, at Texas Wesleyan has ever made it far enough to have their season end in the national tournament.”

Kylee Nicassio got the Lancers on the board with her 16th goal of the year in the 28th minute.  Diana Ravenda made it two nothing with a goal in the 43rd minute.

Cal Baptist took seven shots on goal to Texas Wesleyan’s two.  Goalkeeper Brittany O’Brien made five saves to complete an outstanding career with a Texas Wesleyan record 278 in three seasons.  Brianna McKernon also etched her name into the Texas Wesleyan record book this season.  The senior midfielder finished with a record-tying 22 assists in her career.

“It took us a while to settle down,” Gibbs said.  “This was a game with two very good teams, and they just did a little bit more to win the game today.”

Gibbs, the RRAC Coach of the Year, has the Lady Rams primed to raise the bar even further next season.  With only three seniors, Texas Wesleyan will return eight starters and four All-Conference selections including the RRAC Co-Player of the Year in Alejandra Barrera.