Two weeks ago, the Denison women's soccer team handed DePauw University their lone North Coast Athletic Conference loss of the season in Granville. The two teams will face off once again this Saturday with the 2015 NCAC Tournament Championship on the line at Reavis Stadium in Greencastle, Ind.
Second-seeded Denison is making their eighth appearance in the tournament finals, with the last trip coming in 2012. The Big Red earned a berth in the title match with a 1-0 victory over third-seeded Kenyon on Wednesday night in Granville. A two-time tournament champion, Denison's last postseason title came in 2010 after defeating Allegheny, 1-0, at Barclay-Thomsen Field. Saturday's match is a rematch of the 2012 NCAC Tournament final that saw fourth-seeded DePauw defeat third-seeded Denison, 1-0, in Granville.
The duo of junior Jacquie Graham and freshman Maggie Armstrong lead the Big Red attack this season with 17 points apiece. Graham has a team-best eight goals and one assist, while Armstrong has scored seven times and dished out three helpers in her first collegiate season. Right behind them are junior Anne Denz and sophomore Meg Wozniak. Denz and Wozniak have each recorded six goals, three assists and four game-winning scores.
In addition to the offensive fire power, the Denison defense has played a large part in the team's success this year. Sophomore goalie Jenny Herold and the defensive line comprised of Allison Vilsack, Drew Wentzel, Jessica Skelly and Logan Berlet have posted nine shutouts and boast a 0.60 goals-against average. The versatile backline has also produced in the offensive third this year, totaling eight goals and four assists.
Denison holds a 7-2-1 record in the all-time series with DePauw, including a 3-1 victory earlier this season. On Oct. 24, the Big Red handed the Tigers their only NCAC loss of the season on Senior Day in Granville. Senior Keara Kilbane opened the scoring with an unassisted goal in the third minute. In the second half, Graham broke a 1-1 tie in the 49th minute off an assist from Kilbane. The junior secured the win with an unassisted tally in the 61st minute of play.
Saturday's match will begin at 2 p.m. A live video stream will be provided by DePauw in addition to live stats. The winner of the championship match will earn the NCAC's automatic bid to the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
