By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
MATTHEWS, N.C. – Washburn University soccer finished the 2023 season as the NCAA Division II runnerup after a 1-0 loss to Point Loma in the national championship match on Saturday afternoon.
Washburn soccer coach Davy Phillips and his Ichabods salute their fans after Saturday's 1-0 loss to Point Loma in the national championship game in Matthews, N.C. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
The Ichabods finished their record-breaking season with a 21-4-1 record.
"Point Loma's really good,'' Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "I thought we made it hard on them at times. It game down to a set piece. I'm super proud of my team, but credit to Point Loma, theyre a really good team.''
Washburn and Point Loma (17-3-1) were locked in a scoreless tie through the first half, but the Sea Lions were able to find the back of the net in the 53rd minute of the match and hold on through the rest of the half to claim the national title.
The Sea Lions began the match putting pressure on the Ichabod defense, taking 10 shots in the first half while Washburn was only able to manage three. Four of Point Loma's shots in the first half were on target and all were saved by WU goalkeeper Raegan Wells.
The lone goal of the match came off a corner kick with Emma Thrapp, knocking in the ball after being set up by Grace Nelson from the corner.
Outside of the game-winning goal the Sea Lions managed only one other shot on goal in the entire second half.
The Ichabods were able to create more advantages in the final 45 minutes, taking five shots to Point Loma's four.
Defender Jordan Tenpas said that the Ichabods did get stronger as the game wore on.
"We're young, we have nerves, so it is what it is, but we've also got older girls like Raegan who know how to get us up and going,'' Tenpas said.
Khloe Schuckman led the way in shots for the Ichabods, taking three with two of them going on goal. Grace Peterson added two shots.
Wells played all 90 minutes in goal for Washburn and made five total saves in the contest, while Tenpas joined her in playing the entire match.
Julia Pinnell logged all 90 minutes in goal for the Sea Lions and made four saves, Alana Dioz led them with four shots.
At the conclusion of the match, Schuckman, Tenpas and Lindsey Maul were named to the national all-tournament team.
Washburn set program records for most points in a season (126), goals in a season (47) and shutouts (14).
The 2023 squad also finishes third in program history for assists in a season (32) and second in goals against average (0.69 per match)
Wells set a new program record for minutes played in a season with 2,355. She finished her career as Washburn's all-time leader in minutes played with 7,284, the most shutouts in a season with 13.1 and the most saves and most wins for a goalkeeper in program history.
Schuckman's 2023 season featured the fourth most points in a season in program history (27), the fourth most goals (11) and the most game winning goals with seven.
Mackinly Rohn's seven assists are tied for the fourth most in a season in program history.
Phillips thanked the Washburn community for its support during the Ichabods' run to the championship game.
"It's been amazing,'' Phillips said. "Thank you to everyone for your constant support, pushing us, being there with us. We appreciate. We had a great contingent in the stands tonight. Thank you, thank you.
"We appreciate your support and we're really proud to be Ichabods.''
