Local talent shines for UC Clermont women's soccer in national championship win
Note: This story has been updated to correct information about the number of titles.
The UC Clermont Cougars women's soccer team added another championship to their trophy case this week. Led by head coach Kemar Jackson and assistant Brett Black, the Cougars won the 2023 USCAA Women’s Division II Soccer National Championship in its third trip to the finals in the last five years.
The Cougars faced off against SUNY-ESF in the final game in a rematch of the 2019 championship game. This year, the Cougars controlled the ball early, outshooting the Mighty Oaks 7-3 in the first half. Tournament MVP and Turpin graduate Kerianne White broke the scoreless tie in the 78th minute off a feed from Wyoming alumna Alexis Taylor. With one tally on the board, the Cougars' defense took center stage and worked hard to make White's goal stand as the game-winner.
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SUNY-ESF made a strong offensive push after falling behind and outshot the Cougars 10-3 in the final 45 minutes. Goalkeeper Natalie Wilson, a Turpin graduate, made six saves in the second half after making just one save in the first half.
In recent years, the Cougars' soccer team has been a powerhouse in the USCAA with back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019 under coach Blaine Callahan, now at Mount St. Joseph University. Monday's win, however, marks the first under coach Jackson who took over in 2022.
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In addition to White being named tournament MVP, three Cougars were named to the All-Tournament team: Jordan Geis, sophomore midfielder, Anderson; Alexis Taylor, sophomore forward, Wyoming; Taylor Myers, senior midfielder, Batavia.
Other women on the roster who graduated from Cincinnati area high schools include Ella Turner, Batavia; Alyssa Brookbank, Batavia; Peyton Plymesser, Felicity-Franklin; Alliegh Daughtery, Western Brown; Katie Redrow, Little Miami; Maria Bates, West Clermont; Hannah Fite, Western Brown; Brooklyn Applegate, Williamsburg; Aaliyah Akers, Western Brown. Also on the roster are Reece Odrobina of Stoney Creek High School and Julia Pinkham of Souhegan High School.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati high school soccer alums win big in college championships
