Seventh-ranked UR returned to the Sweet 16 of the Division III NCAA Tournament again this year, facing No. 11 Messiah College at Edwin Fauver Stadium. The Yellowjackets, who won the championship in 1986 and 1987, reached the championship in 1990, and hoped to move on to the Elite 8 this season. Unfortunately, in a valiant effort, Rochester fell short of its goal and lost to the more experienced defending champions, Messiah, 2-0.
While UR normally asserts itself early, possessing the ball and taking numerous shots, it was the opposite in this game. Messiah put constant pressure on the ‘Jackets in the beginning of the first half, culminating in a goal at the 17:43 mark. The Falcons received a free kick from the 34 yard line and, in rare fashion, took a shot from the set piece. The shot hit the crossbar, but Messiah collected the rebound and Annie Futato headed it in. From then on, UR turned it around and put the pressure on the Falcons. However, the ‘Jackets were unable to capitalize on their few scoring opportunities.
Carrying their strong finish at the end of the first half into the second half, Rochester continued to pound away at Messiah in an attempt to even the score. However, in the waning moments of the game, after UR failed to convert on a free kick, Messiah turned the errant play into a counterattack. The Falcons pushed the ball up the field, demonstrating superb passing skills. Messiah’s Cali Pitchel crossed the ball to Stef Rowe, and she put the ball in the back of the net. This was Rowe’s 23rd goal of the season and was a heartbreaker for Rochester in the midst of a comeback. After being outshot four to seven in the first half, Rochester pulled a 180 and outshot Messiah eight to one in the second half. However, this effort was not enough for UR to advance to the Elite 8 and ultimately, Rochester lost 2-0.
Overall, the ‘Jackets had an encouraging season, ending with an impressive 16-2-3 record.
Nathan is a member of the class of 2010.
