STANFORD, Calif. – The San Jose State women’s soccer team suffered a demoralizing 6-0 loss against Stanford in the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament Friday night on Maloney Field at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium.
The 14th-seed Spartans, who precedently qualified for the NCAA tournament after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament, faced the Cardinals, who are Pacific-12 Conference winners and the 3rd-seed in the bracket, in a tough and physical game that determined SJSU elimination from competition.
Spartans head coach Tina Estrada said she was proud of her team because of how it overcame adversities throughout the season.
“I told my team before the game and reiterated it after the game, there's no result that could have happened here tonight that I would have been disappointed with,” Estrada said. “I knew no matter what they were going to fight all the way until the very end and they did.”
SJSU senior midfielder Sabrina Weinman said the final result was not the outcome they wanted, but everyone on the field played with grit and intensity.
“This is just the beginning for this program and it’s headed in the right direction,” Weinman said. “Next year, we will be more prepared for the NCAA tournament. ”
Although the final result showed a wide gap between the two teams, the Spartans started the game building an offensive play.
In the second minute, SJSU sophomore midfielder Bella Flocchini intercepted the ball in the center circle, developing a quick back and forth pass with freshman midfielder Tatiana Cunningham before delivering the ball to sophomore midfielder Tiana Cello on the left wing.
Cello had enough space to exhibit a quick ground pass toward the center of Stanford’s box.
SJSU junior midfielder Cynthia Flores, who arrived first on the ball, missed the final touch to deliver the shot on goal.
Despite the six goals against, Spartans freshman goalkeeper Bente Pernot, showcased a total of 14 saves throughout the game.
Tina Estrada said she was proud of Pernot for her performances throughout the season.
“This is her first year in an NCAA first round and making saves like this against an incredible team, a lethal team. So proud of her, she only has so much to gain from here,” Estrada said.
Although Stanford pressing and ball control was dominant, SJSU defense managed to slow down its offense for more than 20 minutes of play.
However, at Minute 30, Stanford cemented their dominance with Aikey, who delivered a powerful shot from outside the box, scoring the first goal for the Cardinals.
At the beginning of the second half, between Minute 48 and Minute 51, the Spartans’ light went off, conceding three quick goals to the Cardinals.
Estrada said the overall game was a building block and a learning experience for the team.
“Even though we lost 6-0, probably six minutes in the second half that we all will forget about, this is a building block. We're only going to get better from here,” Estrada said.
Estrada also said she had a speech with the team before the first whistle, in which she remarked how proud she was of the group this year and how much gratitude she had for the senior players who led the group throughout the season.
Sabrina Weinman, a senior on the team, said she worked hard over the past four years to teach team values to younger players.
“I believe that it’s my job being here for four years to teach and help the younger players and the team what it takes to be a Spartan and do everything you can for the greater good of the program,” Weinman said.
Despite the disappointing first round at NCAA, SJSU achieved important results during the season, displaying valuable young prospects for the upcoming seasons.
Pernot said she was really grateful for her achievement even if it was a team effort.
“I wouldn't have gotten it without my defense, all my midfield on my attacking line. So I am just very, very grateful to be part of this team and be able to be named MVP,” Pernot said.
