By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The Washburn University soccer team won the NCAA Central Region Championship Sunday with a 1-0 win over St. Cloud State in St. Joseph, Minn., and is advancing to the Elite Eight.
Washburn celebrates its NCAA Central Region championship in the snow Sunday in St. Joseph, Minn. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
"I thought our defensive organization was really good, thought we were hard to break down, and we believe that we will always have a chance to score a goal," Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "It's fun playing in these different environments that you don't usually play in. I'm proud of the team and how we attacked today with confidence and were so tough in the elements -- true warriors!"
"I think our grit plays a big part in it,'' Washburn senior Belle Kennedy said. "We don't take anything for granted, we accept all conditions, and any challenges we face."
Washburn, now 13-3-6, had shots in the opening two minutes by Grace Peterson and Kate Hinck that were saved.
In the last minute of the half, the Ichabods had three shots saved by the Huskies' goalie.
Washburn outshot St. Cloud, 8-1, and had five corners to just one by the Huskies in the opening 45 minutes.
It was a back-and-forth start to the second half, with both teams having a shot on goal in the opening 10 minutes.
Washburn would have a header by Peterson in the 68th minute put into the side netting.
The Ichabods finally got the breakthrough goal in the 75th minute from senior Aubrey Tanksley, who headed home a corner by Bricelyn Betts.
Tanksley's goal was her first of the season and seventh of her Washburn career while Betts recorded her third assist of the year.
Washburn was able to close out the match from there to win the region championship and move on to the Elite Eight for the second time in school history.
The Ichabods recorded their 13th clean sheet of the year.
Washburn outshot St. Cloud State, 12-5, and took seven corners in the match.
Freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley now has 10 shutouts on the season.
Washburn will take on the Midwest Region Champion, Missouri-St. Louis, in the Elite Eight on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four. The site and game time have yet to be confirmed.
