University of South Florida
First Round - Villanova
W. Soccer Concludes 2007 Season
November 01, 2007 | Women's Soccer
Villanova, Pa. ? The University of South Florida women's soccer team ended the 2007 season with a 2-0 loss to Villanova Thursday afternoon in the first round of the BIG EAST Championships.
This season first-year head coach Denise Schilte-Brown and the USF squad earned the school's first berth into the BIG EAST Women's Soccer Championship since joining the league three years ago. The last time the Bulls appeared in a postseason league tournament was in 2003, when USF was still in Conference USA.
On Thursday the Bulls had a slow start, taking only one shot in the first half, but in the second period offensively attacked the Wildcats, outshooting Villanova 9-4 in the final 45 minutes of play.
"The ladies played really well today," said Schilte-Brown. "Throughout the whole season we did well to improve and take strides toward the future of USF soccer. We're proud of the seniors and how they have laid foundations for our future."
In her final game in a USF uniform, senior Autumn Browning attempted two shots, while junior Lindsay Brauer had three attempts, two on goal. Browning and Brauer led the team throughout the 2007 season, combing for 20 of the Bulls' 27 points. Browning scored three goals and had a team-high four assists for 10 points and Brauer's team-leading four goals and two helpers accounted for 10 points.
Against Villanova, sophomore Kaneile Thomas had two shots, both on goal. Newcomers Nina Jokuschies (2), and Lisa Maria Bjorkvik (1) also had shot attempts in their first post-season games for USF.
Sophomore goalkeeper Mallori Lofton-Malachi stopped two Wildcat shots in 90 minutes. The native of Philadelphia recorded five shutouts this season, posting a 4-10-3 record. She had 76 saves in 1572 minutes in goal.
Only 11 Bulls played in the final game of the season, as no USF substitutions were made throughout the 90 minutes.
"At the conclusion of this season, the direction of the program looks good," Schilte-Brown continued. "Now we are just going to regroup, then we will start training again in a couple of weeks."
The Bulls end the season 4-10-3 overall and 3-6-2 in the BIG EAST Conference. Three seniors conclude their careers at USF, including forward Autumn Browning, defender Paulina McIntosh and midfielder Ashley Quaid.
