The Grand Valley State women’s soccer team is known for their relentless offense attack. The Lakers have averaged just over four goals a game this season; but it was GVSU’s defense that was dominant on Thursday as the Lakers defeated UT 2-0 in the NCAA division II soccer semifinals.
UT could never get anything started on offense in the game. The strong defense from GVSU stymied a high-powered Tampa offense; the Spartans had just one shot on goal the entire game. Lakers head coach Dave DiIanni thought his defenders were the key to their victory.
“Our backline did an exceptional job against their front three,” DiIanni said.
The closest Tampa came to scoring was on a turnaround shot from Courtney Evans in the first half. Evans took the shot from the top of the box but Lakers goalie Kristina Nasturzio tipped the ball as it glanced off the crossbar.
GVSU took an early 1-0 lead in the 15th minute that they would not relinquish. Sophomore Katy Tafler started the scoring for the Lakers as she netted a goal from point blank range. Tampa goalie Shannon Aitken made a sprawling save, knocking down a shot from inside the box but the rebound went directly to Tafler and she was able to take advantage.
Irie Dennis scored in the 65th minute for GVSU making the score 2-0 and essentially putting the game out of reach. Dennis outran two Tampa defenders and finished the breakaway when she put a shot into the left corner of the net past Aitken.
Tampa coach Bobby Johnston felt the physicality of the match played an important role.
“They were very physical and it took us out of our game,” Johnston said.
Despite the loss, the UT women’s soccer program made great strides as a program this year winning their first South Regional title.
“We had a great year,” Johnston said. “It did not end the way we wanted it to but we have nothing to be ashamed about.”