MOC women's soccer falls to Belmont Abbey

By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on November 3, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOC

Sports Information

BELMONT -- Fifth-year senior Jessica Smoot not only got to play in her first conference tournament match since 2005, she contributed an assist.

Unfortunately, a late rally came up short and Smoot's collegiate career ended Monday evening. Belmont Abbey raced to a three-goal lead and eliminated Mount Olive College 3-1 in opening-round play of the 2009 Conference Carolinas women's soccer tournament.

Along with Smoot, the season-ending loss capped the careers of fellow seniors Nia Celata, Lauren Condon, Rebeccah Hecke, Carly Lavallee and Jenn Sastre.

Trailing 3-0, Smoot intercepted a service into the Crusaders' half of the field and played a through ball to lead Tia Rose past several Abbey defenders. Rose beat the goalkeeper one-on-one and helped the Trojans avoid the shutout.

Smoot ranked among the top 10 in the conference with 11 assists during her freshman year, including four in the 2005 conference tournament. She was on a similar pace during her sophomore season when a knee injury ended her season and almost her career. Smoot returned to action in this season's conference opener in mid-September, but an ankle injury a few matches later sidelined her again.

Smoot started in Saturday's senior day match against Anderson, then came off the bench in both halves Monday.

"For Smoot to come out in the second half, to will herself to contribute, that's just a testament to what a fantastic lady she is," said Trojan head women's soccer coach Matt Hisler. "I wish he could have gotten a win, but I'm happy for her for getting that point."

Trojan goalkeeper Lyndsey McIntyre recorded two of her six saves in the first half. The Crusaders scored in the 27th, 58th and 76th minutes.

Mount Olive concluded the season 6-10-4.