Bethany Exits Playoffs

LATROBE, PA- Bethany played a first round Presidents Athletic Conference playoff game against Saint Vincent. The Bearcats used the extra juice from playing at home to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. Monica Bird was able to get the Bison on the board, but the offense couldn't muster another late goal to send it into overtime. Saint Vincent held on at home for a 2-1 win over Bethany.

This is the first season since 2009 where the Bison finished a full year with a .500 or better PAC record. The Bison finished with a 5-4-1 regular season conference record. Bethany relied heavily on their defense as they didn't play a conference game where they allowed more than two goals. Goalkeeper Hope Fair finished the season with three shutouts an 8-3-2 record

Saint Vincent's goals both came from Tanisha Grewal. The fifth year was coming in on a five game scoring streak where she scored seven of her 15 regular season goals. Her goals against the Bison came within three minutes of each other, clearly catching the Bison defense off guard.

After facing seven shots on goal in the first half, the Bethany defense tightened up. They didn't allow a single shot on goal in the final 45 minutes of play. 

The offense showed signs of life as well. Bird scored her goal off of her own rebounded shot attempt to cut the deficit to a single goal. 

Bethany had a few quality attempts on earned corners in the second half, but couldn't direct the ball past the keeper. After one of the corners, Jordan Palmer took a good looking shot in the 73rd minute. However the ball swung wide, and the Bison were not able to get another shot off in the remaining time. 

Bird was the clear leading scorer for the Bison with nine goals and one assist. Her offensive effort produced a third of Bethany's offense throughout the course of the season. 

A young team will return all but four Bison next season. They'll look to add to the building resume of PAC playoff appearances.