Nov. 9, 2011
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By Brandon Naidus
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF women's soccer seniors Aline Reis (Campinas, Brazil), Katie Jackson (Satellite Beach, Fla.) and Stacie Hubbard (Jacksonville, Fla.) assumed they had played their last home game as a Knight. That last game was a 3-0 loss to No. 5 Memphis on Oct. 23.
Two days ago, the seniors found out their home careers were not over. The NCAA brackets were released and the Knights learned they would host Florida International on Friday at 7 p.m. at the UCF Soccer Complex in the first round. With the support of their teammates and coaches, the seniors will have a shot at redeeming their last home loss.
Reis is looking to improve from her last home game.
"My last game at home, it wasn't the way I thought it was going to be. It is so nice to have another chance," she said.
The goalkeeper is looking forward to playing at home in the NCAA tournament.
"I am really happy we're hosting. That's an honor. That has never happened since I have been here."
Head coach Amanda Cromwell and Jackson had discussed the possibility of hosting a NCAA tournament game prior to the unveiling of the brackets. They wanted to play a home game to make up for the last home loss.
The Knights have two advantages to playing at home. One is a loyal fan base and the other is a recently refurbished soccer stadium.
Cromwell said, "Playing at home with our new stadium, we are going to make a push to get a big crowd out there."