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LUBBOCK, Texas - North Texas soccer (16-5-2) fell to Texas Tech (16-5-1) in the first round of the NCAA championships in front of a record crowd of 1738.
The first half was a rough display of physicality between both squads. At one point, Kerestine was forced out of the goal in a one-on-one situation that resulted in an open net shot for Texas Tech. Hodges intercepted the shot in front of the goal with a header to clear it.
Kerestine pitched a shutout through the first half despite Tech outshooting the Mean Green 8-3.
The second half started with an early goal from Texas Tech's Dawn Ward. She was able to get past the defender and put it in over Kerestine's outstretched arms in the 51st minute.
Tech put another goal in at the 59th minute when Ward broke free of the defense and got the breakaway score. Ward's first multi-goal game this year, and the sixth game-winner of her career.
There was not enough time for the Mean Green as Tech played back to run the clock out.
Despite the loss, the Mean Green had a historic season for the program notching 16 wins and its third ever trip to the NCAA's.
"I couldn't be prouder of my team right now, we simply had an amazing
run," head coach John Hedlund said. "Starting with 16 wins and being
ranked in the top 10 of the region all year, especially over several SEC
schools. We claimed the regular season championship along with the
conference tournament championship and of course, being apart of the
NCAA tournament. When the girls receive their rings, I think it will
finally kick in on what a magical year we all had and the great memories
we shared throughout the season."
Box score coming.
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