Lady Bobcats Fall 3-0 to Shaw University in Championship Final

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| 11/20/2023 9:00 AM | Nolan Cass, Sports Information Coordinator

Pittsburgh, PA – 

How it Happened:

                                                                        Lady Bobcats Fall to Shaw University 3-0 in National Championship Final

On Sunday night, the Bobcats of Bryant & Stratton Syracuse faced off against Shaw University in the National Championship Final at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. The temperatures were in the low 40s, but both teams were locked in. In Friday's opening round of pool play, both teams played in terrential rain conditions, so this wouldn't be a problem for them. 

The two teams squared off earlier in the year, where the Bobcats were victorious 1-0. Coach Grigorita knew this was going to be a completely different game, and that the regular season game was far behind them. The Bobcats had some early chances to get on the board, but it was the constant attack from Shaw that would be the decider. They earned multi set pieces, and each kick seemed to fall into the scoring area for the Bears. In the 16th minute, off of a free kick around midfield, Ellie McDonald of the Shaw University Bears hit a strike that found it's way in the goal after a fortuitous bounce. This would break the tie, and give Shaw an early 1-0 lead. 

Not long after, in the 26th minute, Shaw's Victoria Hines earned a penalty shot after a sliding foul in the box. She would best the keeper to make it 2-0. At the break, it would stay 2-0 and the Bobcats would certainly have some work to do in the 2nd half.

In the 63rd minute, Shaw would score their 3rd goal of the game of yet another set piece from roughly 30 yards out. Ellie McDonald put the ball right on the goal, and Jasmine Brake would finish to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the final. 

The Bobcats did not show any quit, and although were outshot 22-8, they had some chances throughout the game, but were not able to cash in. 

Regardless of the result, words cannot describe of how proud we are of this team & all they accomplished. The way they play the beautiful game, but also the bond they’ve built together is so evident in the way their friendship & camaraderie shines through.