Women's Soccer Claims NJCAA Region 10 Conference Championship

Raleigh, NC - Cape Fear women's soccer defeated Spartanburg Methodist on Sunday to claim the NJCAA Region 10 conference championship. Goals were scored by freshman Anna Massengill and sophomore Jenna Pecorini.

As in their previous matchup, Spartanburg would score first, this time six minutes into the game. Cape Fear turned the ball over, and Spartanburg capitalized by burying a shot past the goalkeeper.

"Spartanburg Methodist made it difficult for us today," said head coach Ryan Deppa. "They had us on our heels and forced us to defend our goal more than we had planned. I thought both teams came to play, and made it interesting at times on both ends of the field."

The Sea Devils wouldn't be deterred, and would tie it in the 30th minute. Freshman Sierra Raynor played a ball across the goal off a free kick, and Massengill would finish the play off.

Then, minutes before halftime, Cape Fear would earn a penalty kick, and Pecorini would successfully convert the penalty in what would prove to be the game winner.

Today's win marked the 7th regional conference championship for the women's soccer team.

Afterwards, coach Deppa reflected on the victory, and the weekend. Following Saturday's semi-final win, Deppa could sense his team would be able to come away with a win in the championship game. "The night prior after the girls won the semi final we were out to dinner, and Coach Murray and I were watching the team interacting at dinner. We both had a good feeling when we left Friday for Raleigh, but after we walked out of the restaurant Saturday night, we felt even more confident that this team would be able to bring what was needed to get the job done on Sunday."

Elaborating on what made him so confident: "They really are a great team. They have fun, [but also] know when it's time to be serious and get after it, and that has made the journey pretty rewarding for all of us to be a part of."

Along with praising the strong effort put in this weekend, Deppa couldn't be happier for his team, who had worked hard all season. "Our girls have worked to create these opportunities, and both Coach Murray and I were so happy to see their smiles after they won the championship. It's just awesome for the kids to see some of the benefits of commitment and hard work."

Finally, Deppa reiterated his excitement for the team, and to those who supported them this season. "[It] was a great weekend for the kids, for the staff, and for all those that have been supporting the team. Today they earned the right to say they are the 2016 Region 10 Tournament Champions. That is pretty cool if you ask me."

Today's win gives the Sea Devils an overall record of 16-1, and a conference record of 13-1.

With the region tournament championship claimed, the team moves on to the district championship. Their opening game will be against Harford Community College on November 5th at Legion Stadium. Start time has yet to be determined.

Courtesy Nick Denning