The SMU women’s soccer team battled back from an early goal in the third minute to tie the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 1-1 Thursday in the last game of the regular season. The game was also senior night for SMU, marking the last time the seniors will play on Westcott Field.
“It was definitely bittersweet, but it is a good feeling to have people out there supporting the team,” senior and captain Kristin Medeiros said.
The Mustangs made the seniors’ last experience on Westcott Field a dramatic one. After allowing the early goal, which beat the diving attempt of goal keeper Courtney Webb, SMU’s defense held tough for the remainder of the game.
Offensively, the Mustangs settled down after the Hurricane’s goal and managed 24 shot attempts against the Tulsa defense.
As the game ran down to under twenty seconds in the second half, it seemed as if SMU was going to be dealt a frustrating 1-0 loss. Shelby Hartweck dumped one last cross into the 18-yard line and hoped her ball would connect with one of her teammates. Kenzie Scovill made a run in front of the goal and managed to get her head on the ball and beat the Tulsa goalkeeper’s outstretched hands for the goal. Scovill immediately ran towards the Mustangs’ bench and celebrated with her teammates.
“It was amazing. Everyone just jumped and the whole bench went crazy,” she said. “It was a relief to finally score the seniors a goal.”
The goal tied the game and sent the two teams into a 20 minute, golden goal style overtime. After 20 minutes of intense play in which seven fouls and two yellow cards were given between the two teams, neither Tulsa nor SMU could find the back of the net.
Although disappointed that they did not secure a win, SMU walked off the field satisfied that they had stolen a victory from the Golden Hurricane and got a point for the draw.
After the game, the fans and team honored their three seniors, Jessica Bartol, Kristin Medieros and Lauren Shepherd.
“You cannot understate the value that they have to the team. I see them in the locker room. You saw at senior day the signs of emotion from the other players. I think everyone here knows that the bedrock is laid for an unbelievably successful soccer program here,” head Coach Brent Erwin said, reflecting on the leadership his three seniors have provided throughout the last four years for his program.
The lady’s soccer team now looks to the Conference USA tournament in Orlando, Fla. After finishing conference play 6-4-1, the Ponies will be seeded number four in a six-team format.
The Mustangs head to Orlando to compete in the Conference USA tournament Wednesday through Sunday.
For further coverage of SMU women’s soccer, check smudailycampus.com.
