Kuykendall's Goal Lifts Cowgirls By Loggers

Boxscore

CLAREMONT, Calif. — Hardin-Simmons’ women’s soccer team knew when the NCAA brackets were announced they would have their first significant test in a while and the Cowgirls passed the test with a 1-0 win over No. 4 Puget Sound in the first round of the NCAA Championships Saturday afternoon in Claremont, Calif.

Amy Kuykendall gave the Cowgirls the lead at the 71:16 mark when she hammered home a rebound off a Kallie Wolfer save of a Sarah Stansell shot off a corner kick. It came from five yards out and was the 10th goal of the season for the Cowgirl junior forward.

HSU’s defense was splendid like it has been all year long throughout the game, and especially after going up a goal. For the game UPS had a 11-9 overall lead in shots, but the Cowgirls outshot UPS 7-3 on goal.

“Our girls came out and executed our game plan,” said HSU head coach Marcus Wood. “I like the fight in our team, we knew Puget Sound was an excellent team. We have played them four times in the last five years and they have all been tough battles.

“We found a way to score and it could not happen to a better kid than Amy Kuykendall and all that she has gone through with her injuries. She may not have the blazing speed she had before, but she has an immeasurable amount of heart and she will give you everything she has. She is a special, special player.”

Christi Carr saved all three shots to record the shutout for the Cowgirls. She is now 2-2-4 in her career in the NCAA Tournament with three career wins in PKs. Wolfer had six saves for UPS.

The win was the No. 13 Cowgirls’ 19th in a row and improved HSU’s record to 19-1. The Loggers ended their season with a mark of 18-2. HSU will play Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Universities on Sunday for the right to advance to the Sweet 16. HSU and CMS played to a tie in the first round of last year’s NCAA Tournament and CMS advanced by winning the penalty kicks.

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