Soccer Upsets Schoolcraft for the Program's First Region Title

The No. 18 ranked Kellogg Community College women's soccer team played in the NJCAA Region XII Women's Soccer Tournament this weekend. The tournament was held in Marysville, Michigan where they Bruins played two games, and won both, coming away with the Region XII Title - their first in program history!

St. Clair County Community College | T, 2-2 (PK W, 6-5)

On Saturday, the Bruins played St. Clair County Community College in the Semifinal matchup. The Bruins and Skippers had split their regular season games with each other, so it was a battle. Bruins were out to an early 2-0 lead that quickly got wiped clear, and went into halftime level with the Skippers at 2-2. Both teams then played the next 65 minutes of scoreless soccer through the second half of regulation and both extra time periods. Then, after 7 rounds of PKs, the Bruins came away victorious - and the victory marked the first regional playoff win in program history! 

Coach Levi Butcher said, "Going to penalty kicks never seems like a fair way to decide a match, especially one of this importance. Our girls were physically spent, and you can never predict what will happen in a shootout. You just have to have faith in your keeper to make a crucial save, and your takers to bury their shots. We didn't plan to go to the 7th round, but a big save from Airanna Griecci gave us the opening we needed to win it. Freshman forward Kayla Vogel stepped up and buried her shot to send us into tomorrow's final. The only thing left to do is try our best to keep making more." 

No. 8 Schoolcraft College | W, 1-0 OT

On Sunday, the Bruins knew they had a daunting task ahead of them, as they lost both regular season games to No. 8 ranked Schoolcraft College.Schoolcraft held play for the majority of the first half, and they entered halftime 0-0.  The second half was more of the same, with the Bruins holding strong after several shots held off the the defense and goalkeeper, Airanna Griecci. It was a scoreless and tiring 90 minutes, and then both teams headed into the overtime knowing what was at stake. Allison Dietzel buried the golden goal for the Bruins, helping them nab the 
first Region XII Title in program history!

Coach Butcher said, "I am in awe of what this team is accomplishing this fall. To start out with 13 new players and not only set every relevant statistical program record, but achieve a national ranking, and win the region tournament on top of it all... It speaks to the character and commitment of our players, staff, and administration. This weekend was a true Cinderella story. Winning in a shootout in the Semis over a very good SC4 team was amazing. Then coming into the final to face the #8 team in the country, who had beaten us twice previously, and beat them on a golden goal in the first period of extra time was just the storybook ending."

He continued, "There were huge moments and contributions from every player who stepped onto the field. Our sophomores' leadership was crucial. Our squad overcame so much to even get to this point, and I'm elated that they could get the result. We're looking forward to meeting another Cinderella team in the District next weekend, and will be buzzing off this win."

On top of the win, the Bruins are bringing home some other hardware as well. Coach Butcher was named Region XII Coach of the Year. Freshman goalkeeper, Airanna Griecci was named Tournament Most Valuable Player and to the All-Tournament team. Joining Griecci on the All-Tournament team are Freshmen forwards, Aubrey Phenicie and Lucy Lampart, and Freshman midfielder, Allison Dietzel. 

Up next, the Bruins will travel to play the Great Lakes District play-in game on November 4th against the Region 24 winner, Southwestern Illinois. The winner of the District game will advance to the NJCAA DII Soccer Championship in Tuscon, Arizona.