After coming from behind to win their first-round matchup versus Owens Community College, the Lady Ocelots of Schoolcraft College had to feel confident about their chances against Delta College in the Region 12 championship game. The Lady Ocelots were ranked #14 nationally in Div. I soccer and had rolled through the region with a perfect 10-0 record. Two of those wins were over Delta College, 3-1 win at home and 7-1 when visiting University Center.

 

In a heavily contested game, both the Lady Ocelots and the Lady Pioneers battled to a tie after 90 minutes. Two overtime periods failed to produce a winner. The match came down to a shootout.

 

Delta opened the scoring and Schoolcraft’s Renee Boudreau answered to end the first round, tied 1-1. Delta scored again to start the second round, and Sam Zerilla tied the match again. In the third round, Delta scored again while the Lady Ocelot shooter missed the net. It was 3-2 heading into the fourth round.

 

Two more goals were exchanged – Lauren Baldalamente scoring for Schoolcraft – leaving the Lady Ocelots trailing 4-3 heading into the final round. Schoolcraft goalkeeper Megan Bauman, who had been perfect for 110 minutes of regulation and overtime play tallying seven saves, missed on the final Lady Pioneer shootout attempt. Delta College prevailed 5-3 in shootout to win the Region 12 championship.

 

The Lady Ocelots will head home after a successful 15-2-1 season including a semi-final playoff victory and a tough double-overtime, shootout loss.

 

Delta College will advance to host the NJCAA District D championship against the winner of Region 6.