The UCF women’s soccer team defeated Washington State, 2-0, Sunday morning to capture the tournament title at the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic in Charlottesville. Junior Tishia Jewell (Satellite Beach, Fla.) scored her third goal of the season for the Black and Gold as it went 2-0 during the tournament including a 2-1 overtime victory over No. 19 Penn State on Sept. 9.
“This was an important weekend and we have proven ourselves on the road against some of the top teams in the country,” head coach Amanda Cromwell said. “We’ve definitely felt a lack of respect in the polls because we know we can play against any team and we’ve shown that with our play and our results. Washington State and Penn State are top level teams, but we know we are as well.”
The Knights posted a 3-0-1 record during their four-match road trip, and are now 4-1-1 overall to start the season. Meanwhile, Washington State dropped to 4-2-1 in 2011.
Senior Stacie Hubbard’s (Jacksonville, Fla.) 20th minute goal put UCF on the board. Hubbard’s goal came from 15 yards out off a corner kick. Jewell collected the assist for the Knights.
Jewell’s goal in the 81st minute put the match away for UCF after the Washington State goalkeeper collided with the Knights’ defense and Jewell was able to tap the ball into an empty net.
“I am very proud of the goals we scored this weekend,” associate head coach Colby Hale said. “Penn State has only given up one goal in their last five games and to score two on them speaks volumes of our attack. Washington State is a very organized and athletic team with a great keeper. We have a special group of girls here and this was a complete team effort.”
UCF held the advantage in shots (10-8) and corner kicks (5-2).
UCF goalkeeper Aline Reis (Campinas, Brazil) put aside four shots in goal, three of which came in the second half, for her second shutout of the season.
“To only give up only one goal on the weekend against talented teams like that says a lot about the girl’s commitment to performing and getting results,” Cromwell added. “Aline took care of the few dangerous chances we gave up on the weekend.”
Four Knights were voted to the All-Tournament Team including Jewell and Reis who was named tournament MVP. Sophomore Marissa Diggs (Rowlett, Texas.) and junior Nicolette Radovcic (Rockaway, N.J.) also made the team.
Jewell and Radovcic combined for three of the Knights’ four goals for the weekend and two of their four assists.