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Kwantlen Polytechnic University Eagles women's soccer team celebrate
a bronze medal finish at the 2008 BCCAA soccer provincial championships.
For immediate release
October 27, 2008
Provincial bronze medal for Kwantlen Eagles women's soccer
(SURREY, B.C.) In their first appearance at the British Columbia Colleges’ Athletic Association (BCCAA) soccer provincial championship, the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Eagles won a bronze medal, recording a 1-0 shutout against the defending champions, the Capilano University Blues.
After losing their semi-final the day before to the eventual gold medalists, Langara College (1-0), the Eagles were determined to finish on a high note and make their last game of the season memorable for their graduating players, Shannon Booth and Rachael Nitschke.
“We’re in a league that demands a full effort, game-in and game-out. In the playoffs, the intensity and pressure really gets turned up,” commented head coach Vladimir Samozvanov. “These sort of demands forced the team to play at its best all year. In other words, this team was ready to do whatever it took to win.”
The game winning goal came at the 25-minute mark of the first half, when rookie Kelsey Doherty sent the ball soaring over the head of the Blues goalkeeper to the back of the net. After coming back from a concussion suffered in her first league game against TRU, Doherty regained her form and had been chasing her first illusive league goal all season.
The Blues forwards had numerous goal scoring opportunities, but were held at bay by the strong defensive team combination of Shannon Booth, Courtney McCulloch, Brittany McNeil and rookie net-minder, Rosemary Kelly. Kelly controlled the net with confidence, directing the team and playing beyond her years in her first season as a Kwantlen Eagle.
For Joan McEachern, former Canadian national team player and six-year assistant coach of the Eagles, winning the bronze medal was a career highlight. “I’ve won many championships as a player, but this is the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had,” reflected McEachern. “To be with a program from the beginning [2003] and accomplish all of this in such a short time is truly amazing.”
For a full listing of results, visit the BCCAA website at: www.bccaa.ca
Kwantlen’s varsity athletics teams are the Kwantlen Eagles. In basketball, soccer, badminton and golf, they compete in national intercollegiate leagues. For more information about the Kwantlen Eagles, visit www.kwantlen.ca/eagles
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For more information, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kwantlen.ca
OR
Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604-599-2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca