COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Blinn College women’s soccer team made program history by playing in its first playoff game and earning a win against Northeast Texas Community College Tuesday. The Buccaneers defeated the Lady Eagles, 2-0, in the Region XIV quarterfinals at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
With the win, the Buccaneers improve to 6-2 overall and will compete against No. 12 Navarro College in Region XIV semifinals on Wednesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. on the road.
“I think two weeks without any training was a real challenge for the women’s team today in the beginning, but that they got stronger as the game went on, so I am really pleased,” head coach Michael McBride said. “I am really proud of the team for working hard to get a win in playoffs and couldn’t be prouder of them. Karson Funderburk played her best game of the season and picked the right time to do it, so I am really proud of her individual performance.”
Mercy Breazeale led Blinn’s offense with one goal and one assist, while Funderburk scored one goal and Lexington Kneedler recorded one assist. In addition, the Buccaneers totaled 16 shots on goal. Kneedler and Breazeale led Blinn with three shots on goal each. On defense, Hope Hillhouse helped Blinn record a shutout win with one save.
“Our team gets along and plays together so well, so it is exciting for us to be in playoffs,” Funderburk said. “I think us changing our formation in the second half made a really big impact and obviously we scored pretty fast after that. This was a big win for us all and we are so excited to play Navarro tomorrow.”
After a scoreless first half, the Buccaneers scored two goals in the second half to claim the win. Following a pass from Breazeale, Funderburk was able to score Blinn’s first goal in the 46th minute. The Buccaneers extended their lead to 2-0 when Breazeale scored on a corner kick from Kneedler in the 65th minute.
“The women’s team went through adversity this year, so this means a lot to them to get to this game and actually win it,” assistant coach Alexandria Jackson said. “All of the success we have had this year has been player-driven. They have a strong mentality, continued to fight for the ball possession, and never gave up, and that is what has gotten us to this point.”
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
