McKee, Sickler Lead Tars in Tournament Final

November 11, 2013

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. (November 10, 2013) – Sunday’s SSC Tournament Championship between the top two seeds, No. 1 Barry (12-4-2) and No. 2 Rollins (15-3-0), did not disappoint. The game featured two ties and two lead changes with the Tars eventually coming out on the winning end, defeating the Buccaneers, 3-2, in double overtime.

The win snaps Rollins’ two game losing streak in SSC Tournament Final appearances and earns the Tars an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Tournament title is the second in program history, their first coming back in 2009.

Battling each other all year long for the team lead in goals, Brenna McKee and Paxton Sickler both tallied scores in the victory, McKee scoring twice. It was the third time this season the All-SSC second teamer has scored two goals in a game.

In goal, Mary Spring made five saves in over 102 minutes to earn the win.

Rollins outshot Barry 27-10 in the game, including 4-1 in the overtime periods. The Tars also took five corners compared to four by the Bucs.

"We played well throughout, especially in the second half and into the overtime periods," said head coach Alicia Schuck.

"Brenna, Paxton, Emma Jones, Taylor and Maddie were very good today but everyone played well, it was a great team win. Brenna earned the much deserved Tournament Most Outstanding Player award and Paxton's goal was so special. Was such a hard fought game and we have to give credit to Barry, as they played such a great all-around game as well. Feels great to get the automatic bid in the NCAA's, these girls really worked hard to get where we are right now. We are excited to carry this momentum moving forward."

Rollins owned much of the possession in the first half but found themselves behind when Sara Karna cleaned up a rebound after Spring saved an initial shot from Lauren Manna in the 23rd minute.

The Tars would go into the half down 1-0.

McKee then shifted momentum quickly after the break, dribbling into the right side of the box before cutting back to her left and sending a shot past SSC Defensive Player of the Year Becca Rogers in goal to tie at 1-1 with 38 minutes left.

Just about five minutes later, McKee added her second off an assist from Mora Johnson to give the Tars the lead at 2-1.

The Bucs would then tie it again when Tamara Vukovich converted a free kick after a Rollins foul outside the top right corner of the box with 17 minutes left in regulation.

Opportunities were had by both teams over the final 17 minutes of play, including a Sickler shot off the crossbar, but Spring and the Rollins backline of Megan Block, Taylor Thigpen, Azure Dorsey and Maddie Ginder held, forcing overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime period, Sickler uncorked a shot in the 102nd minute  from well outside the left corner of the box and past Rogers to end the game. Rogers finished with 14 saves in the loss.

Emma Bloom, Dorsey, Johnson, Sickler and McKee were named to the All-Tournament team with McKee taking home Most Outstanding Player honors.

Rollins will now wait for the Division II Women's Soccer Selection Show on Monday, November 11. The show, which will air on NCAA.com at 7:30 p.m. ET, will reveal the teams moving on to the national championships. Links to the live stream will be available on RollinsSports.com

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