In its first title-game appearance since 2002, the UCSD Women’s Soccer team fell to Grand Valley State 4-0 at the Division II National Championships on Dec. 4 in Louisville, Ky. Four different players scored for GVSU as the Lakers became the first team to repeat as national champions since the Tritons
accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002.

The game was delayed an hour due to poor weather conditions, since snow had
to be shoveled of the pitch before play could begin. The frozen ball bounced harshly off the
frozen artificial turf, and maintaining possession was difficult for both teams.

The Lakers opened the scoring in the 21st minute, when Kayla Addison
collected the ball in the midfield and dribbled down the right flank. Her cross into
the box found Erin Mruz, who volleyed home for the opener.

GVSU doubled its lead in the 38th minute, as Megan Brown scored her first
goal of the season. The defender came forward to send in a corner kick, and placed
the ball perfectly into the far corner beyond the outstretched arms of UCSD keeper
Kristin Armstrong.

UCSD had a penalty shout three minutes from halftime as winger Jessica Wi
appeared to fouled on the edge of the box. The referee wasn’t interested, and gave
the Tritons a free kick just outside the box. The teams went into the break with the
score 2-0.

The Tritons pushed more players forward in the second half, but could not
break the Laker defense. GVSU made it 3-0 in the 56th minute after the Tritons failed
to clear a ball into the box and Jaleen Dingledine capitalized. Kayla Addison scored
off a corner kick in the 78th minute to put the final emphasis on the Lakers’ victory.

Senior Annette Ilg, senior Lisa Bradley and Armstrong were named to the all-
tournament team after the match. Bradley and Armstrong were also named All-
Americans on Thursday.

The Tritons finished the season 19-3-3 after starting 2-2-2. UCSD will return
every starter except for Ilg and Bradley next season.