Women’s Soccer Team Wins 1st Regional Title

The women's soccer team shutout Finger Lakes Community College, 2-0, Oct. 29 to win its first-ever regional championship at host Tompkins-Cortland Community College and will move on the NJCAA National Tournament Quarterfinals as the third seed against sixth-seeded Brookdale Community College, Thurs., Nov. 10 at 12:30 p.m. at Ocean County Stadium's grass field at Ocean County College in Toms River, N.J.

"I couldn't be more proud of this team. We've been saying this was our goal for two seasons now, and the belief these girls have shared in each other is incredible. The adversity we've overcome to get to here - it leaves you speechless when you think about it," head coach Gary Boughton said.

Abbey Lombard scored the game's first goal and game-winner from Sam Carey, then Kallie Smith added an insurance goal to seal the win.

Hannah Clarkson earned the shutout in the cage, as the Kats outshot the Lakers 8-2.

Lombard was named the tournament MVP. Chrissy Alonge, Brea Borynski and Lauren Lepovich, joined Lombard on the All-Tournament team for their outstanding play.

The Kats got to the championship round after rallying from a 3-0 deficit against Delta Community College with a 4-3 win in the semifinal round, Oct. 25.

To say that Finger Lakes has been a thorn in the side of the Kats, would be an understatement. Prior to the latest national poll, the Kats ranked No. 4 in the nation. Enter FLCC into the last poll, who as an unranked team vaulted to No. 3 and bumping Erie down to No. 5.

The 16-2 Kats also lost one of their two matches this season to the Lakers, 2-1, Sept. 7 on the road. In addition to avenging that loss, the Kats also avenged last season's semifinal regional playoff loss to the same Lakers, 2-0, Oct. 27, 2015.

With the shutout win, the Kats should move up at least one more spot in the next poll before the National Tournament, Nov. 10-13 in Toms River, N.J. at Ocean County College. In addition to No. 5 Erie, the other teams joining the Kats in the Elite Eight are: No. 1 SUNY Broome (NY/18-1), No. 2 Montgomery (MD/16-2), No. 7 Nassau (NY/13-2-1), No. 8 Brookdale (NJ/13-5), RV Anoka-Ramsey (MN/12-1-1), Brookhaven (TX/11-3-3) and Rowan Gloucester (NJ/11-6). The NJCAA website has a link for the National Tournament that can be found at:http://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/2016-17/div3/national_championship/index

In addition, live games streamed through the internet can be viewed through: http://njcaatv.com/landing/index