Cape Fear Falls to Holmes in First Round

In Short: #12 seed Cape Fear took on #1 Holmes and incurred a 1-6 loss.

Highlights:

Cape Fear Women's Soccer traveled to Tucson, AZ to take on the Holmes Bulldogs in the first round of Pool A NJCAA Tournament play. The Sea Devils are guaranteed two Pool A matchups and the combined results of the two will determine if they will advance to the next round.

Holmes was able to score the first goal of the match, but Cape Fear immediately answered it with an easy touch in from Freshman newcomer Justine Moesch within a minute of restart. From there, the Bulldogs were able to earn 3 more well-placed goals after capitalizing on a few defensive breakdowns in the first half.

Moving into the second half, Cape Fear doubled their offensive pursuits and began to test the back line of the Bulldogs. However, Cape Fear still struggled to put together enough passing combinations to put another one in for the Sea Devils this afternoon. Holmes was able to capitalize in transition plays throughout the midfield and earned a few fast breaks that led to the final result ending in 1-6 in favor of the Bulldogs.

Sophomore Goalkeeper Catherine Jupena earned 10 saves while Alissa Campano and Jewelia Lindsey both played a key role in shutting down the Bulldogs' attacks in transition. Ashley Bowling and Emma Beehler also made a few impactful stops in the backfield to keep the Sea Devils composed throughout the match.

"Our girls learned that the pace of the game here is much different than the competition we've been facing throughout the season," says Coach Deb Hare. "They adjusted quite well in the second half and we are looking forward to carrying these changes into tomorrow's matchup."

Up Next: Cape Fear will take on #8 Schoolcraft College tomorrow at 12 PM EST for their second game of Pool A play here in Tucson, AZ.