Mobile, Ala. – The Eagles fell to the No. 1 seed University of South Alabama in the semi-finals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament 3-0.  With that, the Eagles finish the 2014 season with an overall record of 11-6-2 (5-3-1 SBC).  The regular season mark of 10-5-2 is the best since 2002. 

"First off, congrats to South Alabama," said Head Coach Brian Dunleavy.  "They were very impressive throughout the course of the game.  Playing against one of the hottest teams in the country in a semi-final at their place was a tall task.  I thought we came out slightly intimidated – the crowd was very enthusiastic and we had a hard time getting into a rhythm.  We were making unforced errors, and we gave up an own goal and a penalty kick.  So in that regard, we didn't do ourselves any favors." 

The eagles conceded an own goal in the 12th minute to put South Alabama up 1-0.  A corner kick by Sophie Haywood played in to the box was headed towards the goal by Nini Rabsatt-Smith.  A scuffle in the box resulted in a failed clearance which led to the goal.  

In the first half, the Eagles were outshot 8-4 as the Jaguars controlled possession.  Goalkeeper Katie Merson collected 2 saves in the half including stonewalling a 1 v 1 situation just outside the 6 yard box. 

The Eagles came out hot in the 2nd half refusing to go down without a fight.  An Eagle foul in the box, however, resulted in a penalty kick in the 55th minute.  South Alabama's Rio Hardy connected on her 11th goal of the season to make the score 2-0 in favor of the Jaguars.

Mid-way through the 2nd half, the Eagles, refusing to be denied, controlled possession and created a flurry of scoring opportunities. "To our players credit, they worked hard, fought themselves into the game and we were very unlucky not to score," applauded Dunleavy.

In the 72nd minute, however, Rabsatt-Smith gained possession at midfield and took the ball up the left side.  She beat an Eagle defender to the end line where she then crossed the ball to a waiting Hardy just outside the 6 yard box.  Hardy connected on her 2nd goal of the game off the Rabsatt-Smith cross to extend the Jaguar lead 3-0.

In total, the Eagles had 11 shots with 7 of those coming in the 2nd half.  Nora El-Shami led the Eagles with three shots while teammates Nicole Naclerio, Jennifer Wittick and Alli Brashear each contributed 2. In goal, Merson had 6 saves on the night.  

Concluded Dunleavy, "At the end of the day, we were beaten by a very high quality team, but it's still tough to lose.  I am proud of this team and everything they accomplished this season, and I want to thank the 8 seniors for their contributions to this program. We are better off because of them."

The Eagles will take a break before returning to action in their non-championship season this Spring.  

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