The last time the Biola women's soccer team won the Golden State Athletic Conference Title was in 2004. However, because of a dominant defense and a consistent offense, the Eagles are the 2015 GSAC Co-Champions.
Biola headed into Saturday’s game in Phoenix, Ariz. against Arizona Christian University needing a win to lock up a share of the title with the surging Westmont College Warriors.
A RELIABLE OFFENSIVE OPTION
The score of 1-0 indicates a close game, yet the Eagles dominated from start to finish, only needing a goal from sophomore midfielder Brittni Coffeen in the 36th minute to secure the win.
Coffeen’s goal looked as though it were fresh out of a textbook thanks to the experienced ball distribution from senior forward Brittney Sayre.
“I saw Coffeen to my left and started moving towards the goal, she then called for the ball and was open to make a cross or take a shot. As she shot the ball I turned and saw it go into the right corner of the goal. I was so excited for her,” Sayre said.
Throughout the season Coffeen has proved a reliable offensive option off the bench for the Eagles, scoring two goals thus far.
REMAINING FOCUSED
Even though the game's lone goal was well executed, taking 19 shots compared to how many goals they scored was the one lowlight of the game. The inability to produce on offense has been a recent trend the last four games. The last time the Eagles scored more than one goal in a game was Oct.13 against San Diego Christian College.
To improve on offense and go further into this season, they need to remain focused at all times and continue to believe in each other and the team, according to Sayre.
AN AGGRESSIVE BACK LINE
Despite the uncharacteristic output by the offense as of late, the defense still remains a dominant and more than reliable staple for the Eagles. The womens’ aggressive back line was headlined by defenders junior Kayla White, sophomore Cat Newberry and freshman Madyson Brown. The trio put up their second best defensive performance, allowing an alarming two total shots the whole game.
The next time the Eagles hit the field will be at home on Thursday Nov. 12 in the GSAC Semifinals against the lowest remaining seed in the tournament, which will be decided Nov. 7 in the first round.
“I am so beyond excited that we won GSAC! This is my third year here and every time I go in the gym I see our Biola Women's Soccer team has not won since 2004. It is a huge honor to be part of this team and to have accomplished winning conference,” said Sayre, who is going in the last conference tournament of her college career.
