PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville men's soccer team celebrated Senior Night Saturday, but was unable to put up an effective challenge against St. Catharine College, who defeated the Bears 4-1.
 
The Bears finish the regular season 0-8 in the Mid-South Conference, and 4-12 overall. The Patriots recorded their first conference win of 2011 to improve their MSC record to 1-6, and their overall record to 2-12-1.
 
The scoring began in the 20^th minute when Ashley Woods scored unassisted for St. Catharine. Woods would score again in the 43^rd minute on another unassisted run into the UPIKE defense. UPIKE avoided a first-half shutout thanks to freshman Lekealem Nkengafac, who scored off of a deflected save from St. Catharine goalkeeper Zack Bailes.
 
The second half saw St. Catharine take control of things courtesy of Sawyer Abshire's goal in the 53^rd minute as his goal banged into the side of the net and over a falling Sheldon Thomas, who registered three saves for the Bears. Woods completed the hat-trick in the 75^th minute with a big assist from Raymond Mkandama.
 
The Bears and Patriots both had 16 shots on the night, with St. Catharine putting seven on goal to UPIKE's five. UPIKE was unable to score in the second half despite being awarded three corner kicks and taking 14 of their 16 shots after halftime.
 
The Bears will now be the eighth seed in the Mid-South Conference Tournament, where they will likely face Lindsey Wilson College, which is ranked No. 1 in the NAIA coaches' poll for the second time this season. In the previous meeting, Lindsey Wilson was victorious 10-0 over the Bears.
 
Defender David Wright, the team's lone Senior, had this to say of his last game at Bob Amos Park:  “It's bittersweet. I had fun with the guys. It's been fun playing another season with them. I wish them the best of luck in the tournament, and next year.”
 
 
 
-UPIKE-