FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – This season was a momentous success for the William Peace men's soccer team, regardless of Saturday's outcome in the NCAA Tournament.
The Pacers competed in the tournament for the first time in the program's 11-year history. Last weekend, they won the USA South title for the first time ever. The conference championship was the first for William Peace in any sport as a Division III member.
The reward for making school history was a trip to face Mary Washington, one of the top programs in the country. Though the Pacers lost 3-1, the first-round defeat does not tarnish their historical season.
"I'm just really proud of our group, they competed and left everything on the field," WPU Head Coach Ryan Huber said. "It was a great experience for our guys. I'm glad our guys got to experience that and also see how close we feel we are to some of the best teams in the nation. The margins are so small at this stage where every little detail is magnified. We look forward to using this opportunity as a building block to continue growing our program and getting back to another NCAA Tournament in the future."
The Pacers battled the Eagles, ranked No. 1 in the country. William Peace totaled eight shots and attempted six corner kicks, three less than Mary Washington. Goalkeeper Ayden Miller had the same number of saves (4) as the Eagles' goalkeeper.
But William Peace (9-7-3 overall) fell behind early. Mary Washington (18-1-1 overall) scored two goals in the first 20 minutes and added another goal in the second half for a 3-0 lead.
The Pacers continued to fight despite the score. Ausar Omwenga put the visitors on the scoreboard with a goal late in the game. Roberto Rayo earned the assist on Omwenga's goal.
Omwenga's goal was the last score in the first-round contest. A remarkable run by the Pacers had ended.
One month ago, the Pacers were 0-3-1 and last in the conference. Few could envision the Pacers winning six straight games to claim the league crown and earn an automatic NCAA bid.
Except Coach Huber and his team.
"This season has been incredible," Huber said. "The last month of the season and the run we were able to go on is unforgettable. Winning our first conference tournament and going to our first NCAA tournament is something that our guys will always remember."