Razorbacks Conclude Magical Season
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Arkansas’ bid to earn its second Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament appearance in the past four years ended Friday night at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C., as Clemson edged the Razorbacks 4-2 in penalty kicks after two tightly contested overtime periods resulted in a draw.
No. 17 Arkansas (18-5-1) put up a valiant effort with eight players earning shots, led by freshman Stefani Doyle, who recorded five shots with two on goal. Senior goalkeeper Cameron Carter earned five saves in the contest, her third-highest save total this season.
Senior Lindsey Mayo and junior Hannah Neece would each score on their penalty kick attempt, but Clemson (14-4-4), the 12th-ranked team in the nation, notched four successful penalty kicks in a row to seal the match and advance to the next round.
“First, credit to Clemson,” head coach Colby Hale said. “They are ACC champs and I thought their quality showed throughout. I’m obviously very proud of this group. Both for tonight and for the season. 18 wins, an SEC final, a second-round PK loss, record attendance, two top five wins. It all speaks the growth of our wonderful young ladies. I’m beaming with pride and I’m excited for the future.
Clemson held a 19-13 advantage in shots and a 9-2 edge in corner kicks in the match. Arkansas also joined a list of three top-ranked NCAA Tournament teams that have held the Tigers scoreless this season: West Virginia, Notre Dame and Atlantic Coast Conference champion Florida State.
The Razorbacks conclude their season at a historic 18-5-1 mark, an accomplishment unrivaled in the program’s 30-year history. Their all-time mark in the NCAA Tournament now stands at 4-1-2 with three of four victories on the road or at a neutral site.
Six of Arkansas’ seven seniors – Carter, Alexandra Fischer, Lindsey Mayo, Erika Miller, Katie Moore and Rachel Riggs – all saw action tonight in their final match representing the Razorbacks. Fischer recorded two shots in 64 minutes of play, while Mayo and Miller each earned one shot in 100 and 108 minutes of action, respectively.
Claire Kelley did not play due to injury, but the Tulsa, Oklahoma, native wraps up her Razorback career with eight goals, a team-leading 13 assists and 29 points tallied this season. She is also currently second in the nation in total assists and third overall in assists per game.
For more information about Razorback Soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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