John Carroll University Athletics

Granville, OH – The JCU Women's Soccer team was ready to defend their championship title against the Denison Big Red on this chilly November afternoon. 

After defeating the Big Red in the Championship almost a year ago today at home, the Blue Streaks were hoping to end today with the same fate. 

In their regular-season meeting, the game ended 0-0, with Denison controlling the ball for 90% of the game. 

John Carroll went into the game with a 6-8-4 overall record and a 3-2-2 conference record. Denison entered with an 8-2-6 overall record and a 4-0-3 conference record. The Blue Streaks were the clear underdogs in this game. 

After proving themselves in a semifinal victory on Wednesday against #1 seed, the Wooster Fighting Scots, the Blue Streaks were ready to defend their NCAC Conference title against the Big Red. 

The first half began with what looked like hope for John Carroll. Brooke Berkowitz controlled the ball in front of the Denison net, but got shut down by three Big Red. 

Just minutes later, another opportunity arose for the Streaks. Evie Coutris got her chance, as she raced down the field and launched a great shot just wide of the goal 10 minutes into the game. 

That seemed to be the last opportunity JCU had for the remainder of the quarter. 

It became a scary moment for the Streaks as a shot off of a Denison corner kick went just wide off the post 20 minutes into the game. 

However, just a few minutes later Denison found the back of the net off of a scrappy play.

The Big Red took the 1-0 lead at 20:04 with a goal from Mattie Mielke rolling the ball past Madison Skeese. 

With 20 minutes left in the half, Denison had another great chance. Once again, Mielke took a shot from far out that hit the crossbar, giving JCU a lucky save. 

John Carroll played tremendous defense throughout the half. Coutris had a great 45 minutes, defending and blocking passes all over the midfield. Lucy Kuerbis also put up great defensive blocks in the half. 

As the second half began, the Streaks were trailing 1-0. JCU started off with possession, but Denison took the first shot of the half at 48:20, just wide of the net. 

Coutris got another opportunity, with a shot from far out that went just high of the net at 50:57. 

Unfortunately, another corner kick for Denison led to a goal from Josie Russell at 54:44. The Big Red now took the 2-0 lead with 35 minutes remaining. 

With the 2-0 deficit, John Carroll knew that they had to make something happen or they would lose their title of conference champs.

It looked hopeful for the Streaks as they were granted some opportunities at the 59 minute mark. Abby Walker took a shot at 59:07, with a lucky save for Denison. Just minutes later Berkowitz took a hard shot that was blocked by the Big Red. A corner opportunity came out of that, JCU just unable to capitalize. 

Denison went on a shooting spree through the remainder of the game. Corner kicks and offensive rebounds granted the Big Red multiple scoring opportunities, but the Streaks brick wall defense was able to hold them off. 

A free kick opportunity with 10 minutes left in the game gave the Streaks some hope. Lucy Altieri took the shot from the 15 yard line, shooting just wide of the net.  Another promising shot from Coutris at 84:48 went just high of the net. 

As the game was winding down, the Streaks were unable to find the net. 

Denison took the 2-0 victory and the title of NCAC Champions at the end of the day. 

The Blue Streaks had an incredible season, facing adversity along the way but continuing to power through to earn them the 4th spot in the NCAC and taking the underdog victory in the semifinals. 

 With grit and determination, three Streaks made their way on the all-tournament team. 

Senior Abby Walker, freshman Evie Coutris, and senior Julia Niehaus all took the honor of making the Women's Soccer NCAC All-Tournament team.