Women's Soccer Punches Ticket to National Tournament

The Sussex Women's Soccer Team made SCCC history over the weekend by being the first women's program at Sussex to qualify for the NJCAA National Tournament.  Sussex defeated #13 nationally ranker Howard Community College 4-2 in the NJCAA DII East District Final to earn an automatic bid to the DII NJCAA National Tournament held in Wichita, Kansas November 15 - 20. 

Sussex had a slow start, falling behind 1-0 in the 6th minute to an early goal by Tahlia Strangherlin.  Sussex equalized less than 4 minutes later, however, with a goal from Sophie Taylor from inside the penalty area.  Sussex would then take the lead in the 22nd minute after Carina Gasparini finished calmly after being sent through on goal by Sophie Taylor.  Howard would equalize again 10 minutes after the halftime break through Amy Rodgriguez as Howard took control of the game.  Sussex fought back, however, and Gasparini and Taylor combined again with the Austrian setting up Sophie Taylor for the finish just outside the 6 yard box to take the lead with 20 minutes remaining. 5 minutes later, Sussex would put the game to bed when Blaise Vallorosi tucked home a rebound from a Sophie Taylor shot to give Sussex the 4-2 lead.  Sussex finished the game with 28 shots, 15 on target, compared to Howard's 13 shots, 6 on target in a thoroughly deserved District Final win, the first in the program's history.

Sussex will depart for Wichita, Kansas on Saturday, November 13th with a possible first game on Monday, November 15th.  Seeds for the tournament will be announced by the NJCAA on Tuesday, November 9.