Sussex Punches Ticket to Nationals

The Sussex Women's Soccer Team advanced to the NJCAA DII National Tournament with a 2-1 win over Anne Arundel Community College in the NJCAA East District Final.  This is the program's second District Title with the previous won in 2021 against Howard Community College.  Sage Henry was the standout player for Sussex, scoring both goals with the game winner being scored in the 86th minute after being sent through by Leah English. Sussex started the game on the front foot controlling most of the first half and having 5 shots on target before AACC were able to register a shot on goal. Anne Arundel's strong attack was held in check for the majority of the game by outstanding defensive displays by the Sussex back line of Isabella Scro, Dea Garcia, Kelsey Birchenough, and Luana Da Rocha.  After the game, HEad Coach Mike Rath was asked of this thoughts. "Really delighted for the girls, they were amazing today! We out worked them from the start and could have been up a couple goals early on.  Anne Arundel are a good team and grew back into the game, but these girls have so much fight and really wanted to win this game.  Sage was great from start to finish and busted a gut for the entire game, and our defense was lights out for the majority of the game.  Couldn't be happier for this group!"

Sussex will learn their fate in the National Tournament this Tuesday when the tournament seedings are released.  The championships are held in Wichita, Kansas with the first games beginning on Sunday, November 16.