Soccer Falls to Bellarmine 2-1 at NCAA Tournament

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Michigan Tech's 2014 women's soccer season came to an end today in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament as Bellarmine defeated the Huskies 2-1. Tech tied the score in the 81st minute but gave up a goal in the 88th.

The opening half saw both teams with chances but neither could score. Jenna Phelps made three saves for the Black and Gold in the first half.

Jacqueline Mielke worked a two-on-one in transition in the 18th minute to Lexi Herrewig who put the ball in the back of the net. Herrewig was called for offsides, however.

Then midway through the frame, Janelle Riedl lined up a shot from the top of the box that sailed wide right.

Final shots after one half were 7-4 in favor of the Knights.

Tech played a better second half, but it was BU breaking the scoreless deadlock with a penalty kick. Mary Beth Gorham tallied the goal in the 54th minute.

The Huskies sustained some pressure and had two shots on goal. Katie Fife got into the box in the 81st minute and was fouled. Riedl took the PK and buried it on the right side to tie the game at 1.

Michigan Tech had a corner kick in the 87th minute, but did not convert. Less than a minute later, Bellarmine slotted a ball to Emily Hollander who shot from 30 yards out. Phelps got a hand on it, but the ball found its way into the right corner.

Riedl had one final shot on goal in the 89th minute, but Tech could not get the equalizer.

"We played pretty decent soccer, it just didn't fall our way," said Tech coach Michelle Jacob. "We created opportunities and corner kicks.

"It's not the result we wanted, but there's lots to be proud of—not only for tonight but for our entire season. There are a lot of teams that would've liked to still be playing this weekend, and we were one of them."

Three seniors played their final games: Annie Dahlquist, MacKenzie Jordon and Jenna Proctor. The group leaves having helped Tech to two NCAA Tournament appearances, one GLIAC title and a combined 46-23-6 record over the last four years.

"It's especially a tough night for our seniors as they've played their last game," said Jacob. "They've been a huge part of our success, and I appreciate everything they've invested in our program."

Michigan Tech finished 2014 with an 11-5-2 record.