KUTZTOWN, PA (October 30, 2010) – The Kutztown University women's soccer team celebrated before, during and after its 2-0 victory over Mansfield University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) contest at chilly Keystone Field Saturday afternoon. (BOXSCORE)
Before the game, Kutztown's fantastic four seniors Kelly Bushe, Chelsea Deeter, Jen Pyne and Jen Tice received bouquets of flowers and a photo collage at midfield from head coach Erik Burstein and assistant coach Brittney Ruggieri. They were honored for four terrific years and leaving their mark as the winnigest class in KU women's soccer history.
“Winning on senior day is always a great accomplishment, but this year it was very special,” Burstein said. “This group of seniors have elevated women's soccer at KU to national prominence and it was nice to see their contributions celebrated with a win.”
With Bushe, Deeter, Pyne and Tice leading the way, the women's soccer program has reached unprecedented heights. Kutztown has been nationally-ranked for 18 straight weeks, participated in a PSAC title game and qualified for the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional tournament. In addition, they helped the Golden Bears set a program record for wins (15) and shutouts (13) in a season.
During the match, first half goals from Carolynne Kahl and Sam Moyer helped Burstein earn his 50th career victory as KU head coach. Crystal Zerbe and Kaite Oliveri recorded assists for the Golden Bears, who are ranked 22nd in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) top 25 poll.
With the victory, Kutztown (13-3-2 overall, 10-3-1 PSAC) extended its unbeaten streak to eight and will host a PSAC quarterfinal match Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. against an opponent to be determined. Mansfield ended its season with a 1-13-2 overall record and 0-13-1 in the conference.
Finally, the Golden Bears feasted on some food following the match. The tributes to the seniors continued to flow. While this was a nice way to end another strong regular season, the Golden Bears know there is plenty of work to be done. Kutztown is currently ranked third in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region poll.
“The atmosphere around today's game was something truly special,” Burstein said. “All the players, their families and friends and all the fans who came out to todays game showed great support for our seniors. This is a very special group of players and I am thrilled we were able to send them off with a win.”
The official PSAC playoff pairings will be announced Sunday afternoon.
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