Athenas Defeat Banana Slugs

On Friday night the CMS Athenas (12-2-2) took on the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs (10-5) defeating them 3-2. This non-league game was important for both teams. The Slugs needed to beat the Athenas in order to increase their probability of making the NCAA tournament, while the Athenas were trying to increase the likelihood that they could either host the first round of NCAA tournament play or still get a tournament bid if a loss occurs in the SCIAC tournament.

It was the Athenas’ Senior Game, which fueled the fire under their feet. Even the chilly night air couldn’t put out the flames. The Athenas came out with poise and quickly took control of the game. In the eleventh minute of play Laura Hagen (JR, Bellevue, WA) sent a beautiful ball to sprinting Lizzie Van Buskirk (JR, San Rafael [pictured]) who dribbled up the left side of the box and with a sweet left footed shot, chipped the ball over the keeper into the upper left corner. The Athenas continued to play strong, but the Slugs battled back and in the 29th minute tied the game, with a nice cross to an unmarked Slug player sitting in the box. The game remained tied at half.

With a renewed sense of urgency, the Athenas started the second half with a bang, immediately putting pressure on the Santa Cruz defense. In the 53rd minute, Carolyn Campbell (JR, Irvine) dribbled through the midfield and took a shot from outside, which was deflected by the goalie. A charging Hagen took control of the rebound and placed the ball in the net to give the Athenas the lead once again. Fourteen minutes later, the Slugs capitalized on an Athena mistake and finished a rebound off keeper Camila Friedman-Gerlicz (SR, Santa Fe, NM). However, less than a minute later, Van Buskirk slotted a bouncing ball in the box past the goalie to reestablish the Athena lead. Despite a few good opportunities in the final minutes for the Slugs, the Athena defense held strong to preserve the victory.

The Athenas will play at La Verne on Monday at 2:30 in their final league game, trying to preserve their undefeated league record. The SCIAC Tournament, hosted by CMS, will begin Thursday night.