LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2010) – In a game that displayed high intensity by both teams throughout the entirety, it would take more than 105 minutes to decide the champion.  In front of a large energetic crowd, the Tigers would enter into their fourth overtime game on the season, after coming off of a game of similar nature in the semi-final round of the SCIAC tournament, just 3 days prior.

The intensity was present from the very beginning of the game, as it was obvious both teams were going to leave everything they had on the field.  The Tigers went back and forth with the Bulldogs for possession throughout the first half.  The Tigers, being led by forward Alex Nicholson and mid-fielder Liz Martin would end the day with 14 shots, 8 of which were on goal.  Tigers mid-fielder Kellee Murayama displayed amazing footwork multiple times throughout the match, to get past the Bulldog defenders, creating opportunities for the Tigers offensively.  

Along with the offensive pressure, a defensive presence was made as defenders Maddy Rasch, Season Falkler-Rodriguez and Bree Geary contained the Bulldogs offense through 105 minutes of play.  The Tigers defense displayed composure in what was a physically competitive game on both ends of the field.   The Tigers , with less than a minute in the first half, were able to keep the score even by clearing a loose ball out of the penalty box, during a scramble that had the fans in the stadium holding their breath.  The Tigers defense was also able to clear away 9 Redlands corner kicks throughout the match.

Occidental goal keeper Robin Feldman ended the game with 9 saves, accumulating 86 on the season.  Feldman found herself in and out of the goal showing aggressiveness on the field.  The excitement from the crowd would erupt with each diving save.  The first came with less than 5 minutes in the first half and another during the last minute of the first overtime, both displaying an emense amount of effort and determination.

It would be during the 106th minute, of a game that displayed a true championship atmosphere, that the University of Redlands would score off of a header by number 12, Fionna Connolly assisted by Breann Puchalski, sending the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament.  That goal would bring an end to a successful Occidental Tigers season, who would finish out with an overall record of 12-4-2 and 9-2-1 in SCIAC play.

Article by Laura LeMasters, Sports Information Intern