Needing a win to make its fifth straight appearance in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, the ETSU women’s soccer team fell short of its goal with a 7-0 season-ending loss at league rival Stetson Sunday afternoon in Deland, Fla.With the defeat, the Bucs close 2009 with a 5-12-0 overall record and a 4-5 mark in A-Sun play, while the Hatters – who will be seeded third in the postseason field – improved to 10-6-2, with a 6-5-2 record in conference competition.

“We knew coming into today that we had to have a win to make the tournament,” said ETSU head coach Heather Henson. “All our players fought hard this afternoon and never gave up despite the score.”

Stetson opened the score early as senior forward Heather Berg played an over-the-top pass to junior midfielder Katie Bitetto for the match’s opening goal in the 12th minute.

After four ETSU shots were denied midway through the first half, the Hatters attack was at it again as sophomore midfielder Sara Rodriguez played a long pass to teammate Natalie Simon, who beat ETSU sophomore keeper Megan Masch with a shot into the left corner of the net with minute remaining in the half.

As both teams opened play in the second period, Stetson added to its lead as Hatter sophomore midfielder Crossley Simmons headed home her second goal of the season off a cross from senior midfielder Emily Ware in the 54th minute.

With the Stetson lead at 3-0, the Bucs had to push its offense forward in order to try to gain some ground. But then, Berg countered with a offensive attack of her own. Berg fired four consecutive goals in a 28-minute stretch as Stetson closed out the regular season with the seven-goal victory.

Berg’s four goals moved her into first place in Stetson’s record books for most goals in a game.

Individually, ETSU junior forward Rachel Van Horn, led the Buc offense with three shots, while Masch closed out the fall with seven more saves, giving the second-year starter 125 for the season.

“Today was one of those times when they (Stetson) were able to convert on some opportunities,” Henson said.

“That being said, anytime you lose a match it’s tough. This is a group of girls that have dedicated themselves to be the best players they possibly can be every match and unfortunately, today the ball didn’t bounce our way.

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