Owens women advance to national soccer tourney

11/4/2013

Elizabeth Theaker's first half goal ended up being the game-winner as the No. 19 Express women's soccer team defeated Cincinnati State Technical and Community College 2-0 in Sunday's Region XII championship game in Perrys. The Express have now won 15 straight matches, which extends a program record. They also won their 17th game, which is the most any soccer program (men's or women's) has won at Owens.

Theaker of Maumee juked a defender and lofted a 25-yard shot over Cincinnati State's Kelsie Lee at the 20:51 mark to give the Express an early lead.

That came after Jill Burkholder of Bryan saw Lee stop a shot on goal and a penalty kick in the game's first 20 minutes.

With Cincinnati State pressing late in the game, Jessica Grindle of Northwood took a pass from Haley Gasser of Northview at the 85:15 mark and deposited it into the right corner of the net to seal the game.

Erika Brinkman started in goal for the Express and made five saves. She produced two shutouts in the tournament.

With the win, the No. 19 Express (17-2) advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association D-I National Tournament in Melbourne, Fla. Nov. 18-23. The tournament, which features a pool play and championship round, will have the top 12 teams in the nation competing for a national title.