MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Rollins College scored in the first overtime period with just two ticks left on the clock to stun the Lee women's soccer team, 3-2 in the opening match of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
The Lady Flames held a commanding 2-0 advantage on a pair of first half goals by all-conference defender McKenzie Bricker. Bricker launched both strikes from long range just three minutes apart (28th minute, 31st minute) to give Lee the early control of the match.
The advantage appeared to be safe as goalkeeper Haley Gribler had surrendered two goals just once the entire season in a 4-2 victory over Valdosta State back on Oct. 27.
The Tars (11-3-3) would battle back however in the second stanza as they showcased why they were one of the top teams in the loaded Sunshine State Conference. Â Paxton Sickler gave Rollins a pulse with the first goal at the 67:53 mark on an assist from Tamara Vuckovich.
The equalizer would come with just four minutes remaining in regulation as once again Sickler responded, striking a shot off the Lee keeper and into the net to tie things up at 2-2 after the Lady Flames struggled to clear the ball safely out of the box.
Early in the overtime period Mia Hollingsworth appeared to end the match for the Lady Flames but her shot blasted just off the crossbar and into the hands of Kelly Rowswell, Rollins goalkeeper.
With just two seconds remaining in the first overtime period, Mackenzie Miller played the role of hero for the Florida Club. Miller connected from 35 yards out drilling it off the crossbar and into the net to shock the Lady Flames.Â
Gribler finished the contest with nine saves for the Lady Flames. Rowswell tallied four saves for Rollins and the team was credited with an additional two.
"Obviously we are very disappointed at the outcome of today's game," said Lee coach Chris Hennessey. "I'm at a loss of what to say right now. I cannot question the effort and spirit our team showed today in a truly tough game."
The Tars out shot the Lady Flames, 26-17. Lee placed eight shots on frame while Rollins was on target with 12.
The Lady Flames end the 2016 season with a 14-3-2 overall mark. Lee has now qualified for the National Tournament in each of its first two years of NCAA postseason eligibility. Rollins advances to play the host of the weekend regional, Barry University on Sunday at 1 p.m.
"I want to say thank you to our seniors Kayla (Leskovar) and Kinsey (Cichowitz) for what they have put into the program over the past four years. They have given their all and have led with great character and class both on and off the field. In the end it has been a very good season and the girls should most certainly come away with their heads held high," praised Hennessey.
The coach also shared his appreciation for his assistant Luigi Beauzile for what he has put into the team this year. "He adds so much to our program and we are very fortunate to have him." Hennessey also singled out graduate assistants Amy Cooley and Laura Thacker. He singled out the Lee training staff headed by Jeff Mullins.
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