Box Score

Hilo, HI -- In the final game of the 2012 campaign, the Academy of Art University women's soccer team arguably saved their best performance for last, going to overtime and finishing off the season on a winning note with a golden goal, 2-1 victory against UH Hilo. Réa Laudat had the game-winner for the Urban Knights (7-11, 5-9 PWC), who had their best season in program history and set a new team mark with a three-match winning streak to end the year. Hannah Emmett had a three-point day, scoring the first goal of the game and then assisting on the winner in the extra period.

"I am overflowing with pride in my team's camaraderie, not only in Hawaii, but through the entire season," said head coach Aileen Nasypany. "This team truly believed and embraced the vision and in turn became dedicated to the mission of the program. Their accomplishments to obtain the best overall record in program history, the best conference record, and for the first time a straight sweep in Hawaii is a true testament to their consistent work ethic and their tremendous growth in mental toughness."

It was yet another defensive battle, as there were only 15 shots combined by both teams in the game. The first half was indicative of the strong back line that the Knights have shown all season long, allowing only three shots and no goals despite five corner kicks from the Vulcans (5-12, 3-11 PWC). The Knights, in comparison, had no corners in the first half, but were still able to get off three shots, two of which were saved, and the teams went into the break scoreless and tied.

The second half proved to be more of the same on both sides. The Knights got a quick shot and a corner kick in the first five minutes, but there was to be no scoring for the first 81 minutes of the game. Breegan Saller had a couple key saves against the ART U attacks, but the Knights kept on pressing. That led to the 77th minute, when Emmett subbed in for the Knights. Following back-to-back shots by Hilo, one of which went high and the other was blocked, Emmett, who had just scored the game-winner against Hawai'i Pacific on Thursday, put the Knights ahead 1-0.

"Because of Hannah's athleticism and technical ability, we moved her into the midfield," Nasypany said. "She was definitely a creative component in the center but really struggled to find her rhythm. She found her stride in becoming a valuable part of our offense here in Hawaii. I am very proud of her composure this week to bury the big shots when it mattered most."

Things then got interesting, as Hilo's Taylor Wright snuck one by Rachael Rempe with only eight seconds left on the clock to force overtime. But only four minutes into the extra period, Emmett found Laudat, who settled the pass and buried it in the back of the net for the golden goal and the victory. For Laudat, it was her third goal of the season, which incidentally included the Urban Knights first goal (against Cal State Monterey Bay) and last goal (against Hilo) of the 2012 campaign. 

The Urban Knights ended the year with a program record in wins, going 7-11 on the year, almost doubling their four wins from last year. They also set new highs in scoring with 81 points, well above their 55 points from last season, and also set new marks defensively with five shutouts and allowing a historic low 1.60 goals per game. They will return home victorious next week. 

From the ART U seniors:

"I am so glad that I could finish my athletic career as an Urban Knight with such a great team. I couldn't have asked for a better end to my senior season then by sweeping Hawaii. These last four years have really helped define me as both a player and a person. I will really miss being a part of this team." - Tanner McCandlish (Solvang, CA)

"With being my senior year, I couldn't be any happier on how this weekend went. We battled and fought through every game and that's why we came out on top. HAWAII SWEEP! I am so proud of these girls in making ART U history with the best yet to come! I am going to miss playing with such a great group of girls." - Jasmine Sharpe (Tacoma, WA)