Continued Successes Move Falcons Higher in National Polls

Continued Successes Move Falcons Higher in National Polls
October 19, 2016

Daytona Beach, FL (dscfalcons.com)- The Daytona State women's soccer team improved its overall record on Monday (Oct 17th) to 9-0-0 after facing conference opponent Broward College.

The Falcons had not played a game since Oct. 1st, nearly two and a half weeks, due to Hurricane Matthew. Daytona State College was closed from Oct. 6th-10th, forcing the Falcons to reschedule 2 games (Eastern Florida and Broward) and cancel 1 (Gordon State). "The Broward game was always going to be a challenge for our team [due to the Hurricane]," said Coach Brittany Jones.

In Monday's 4-0 victory over the Seahawks, Heather Nulty (Winter Springs, FL) broke the stalemate 29 minutes into the match, receiving a through ball from Shanade Hopcroft (Ayelsbury, England) near the top of the 18-yard box where she was able to toe poke it past the Broward keeper, who was coming off of her line. This marks Nulty's 9th goal on the season, leading the Falcons in total points (22).

The final 8 minutes of the half, the Falcons pressed earning 2 additional goals and a PK. The second goal of the game came from some excellent combination in the center of the field, where Kaila Armstrong (Broomfield, CO) received the ball near the top of the 18-yard box from Naomi Gurrola (Broomfield, CO). The Broward goalkeeper was able to get her body behind the ball, but deflected the shot into an oncoming Megan Warner (Watford, England). Two minutes later, Gurrola attacked the right flank sending a cross into Alexis Lawson (Pace, FL) who was able to redirect it towards the goal. The Broward keeper was able to make the initial save, but was deflected into the goal by an oncoming defender. The lone goal of the second half, was scored by Gurrola on a shot from the right flank nearly 20 yds from the goal.  

"It took us nearly 30 minutes to really relax into the match, but we took advantage of our opportunities and saw improvement throughout the duration of the game, which was important considering our next opponent."

"As a group we talked extensively about the importance of setting a good foundation going into the last 4 games of the regular season.  We wanted to start the week off on a good foot and I am happy with the way the girls performed," said Jones. 

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE TITANS- The Falcons' next game will take place on Thursday, Oct 20th in Melbourne, FL against their largest and most anticipated opponent of the season, Eastern Florida State. For most of the season, the Titans have been ranked number 1 in the country in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) poll and in the top 5 in the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) poll.

 "They have really been the preeminent program within the NJCAA over the last 5 years so this is an excellent test for our team and I am looking forward to the challenge," said Jones of Eastern.
 In Eastern's most recent game, they played host to Polk State College, defeating them 6-0. Sophomore Darien Davis scored her second hat-trick of the season, putting her at 14 goals and 9 assists on the season. 

 

NATIONAL POLLING- After Monday's win, the Falcons also made a jump in the National Polls, ranking 16th in the NJCAA poll and 8th in the NSCAA poll.

"It is always an honor to be ranked nationally and I believe our continued improvement in the polls is a direct result of the team's development.  Without their hard work and persistence, we would not have the opportunity to be recognized.  I am very proud of our team and the effort and dedication they have shown toward our goals," said Jones.

 

The Falcons' next home match will take place on Saturday, October 22nd against Polk State at 4pm on the Embry-Riddle turf field.