![Close Defeat Closes Book on Trojans' Season](/images/2022-23/WomenSoccer/Siefert_Columbia.jpg)
Close Defeat Closes Book on Trojans' Season
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – RV Taylor (13-5-2) competed in the NAIA First Round for the second time on Thursday evening. TU fell, 2-1, against No. 11 Columbia (Mo.) (17-3-1) after leveling the match at one late in the second half.
After trailing since a tenth-minute goal from Columbia, a moment of brilliance leveled the match for the Trojans in the 88th minute. Driving forward led to TU's second corner of the evening. Claire Massey sent in a dangerous cross that Kiana Siefert fired into the back of the net on the volley for her tenth goal of the season. That goal puts Siefert in a tie for the ninth-most goals in a season in program history. The assist for Massey also had program significance as it was her eighth of the year, which placed her in a tie with Morgan Orme for fourth most assists in a season in program history.
The excitement for TU was cut short when the Cougars scored mere seconds later from a tight angle to grab the lead once again.
Taylor was unable to find another equalizer before the final whistle blew. The loss ends a terrific campaign for the Taylor women's soccer team in 2022.
After falling behind in the first half, the Trojans launched two shots before the break, but neither challenged the Columbia goalie.
Hannah Brackenbury tallied three saves to keep TU close until the equalizer, while Siefert was the lone Trojan with multiple shots in the match.
The Trojans' season was one of the best in program history, amassing 13 wins and reaching the NAIA First Round for the second time in program history, both under Head Coach Scott Stan. The Trojans return nine starters and a plethora of contributors off the bench while seeing five seniors, Hannah Dempsey, Emma Shoemaker, Claire Nieshalla, Sophie Snyder, and Lauren Cina, graduate.