Nov. 14, 2015
Box Score
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) -- As the UCF women's soccer team geared up for the 2015 season back in August, the Knights were unsure of what lay ahead of them.
Related: Box Score
They were a team with more newcomers (14) than returners (12) and lost three key members due to injury for the season before the season-opening weekend was in the books. Eight of their starters, including their American Athletic Conference Offensive Player, Defensive Player and Goalkeeper of the Year, had moved on from the year before.
So although UCF ended its season on Saturday night in a heartbreaking shootout with William and Mary, the team did so with a resume they could hang their hat on.
"It was a privilege to be able to be home and host the first round NCAA match," UCF head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak said. "We had a great season overall when we didn't know what this season was going to be about with so many new people. At the end of the day it is heartbreaking but I am incredibly proud of this team. More than the performances that we've had this year, I'm more proud of the way this team goes about their daily life and the way that they train and the way that they stick together."
The Knights ended their season with a 12-6-2 record, marking their 15th consecutive double-digit win season. They earned results over programs from the ACC, SEC and Big 12 and notched a win over a nationally ranked opponent (USF).
They earned a berth to their ninth-straight NCAA Tournament and 20th overall and nabbed a hosting gig for the first round for the fifth straight season.
Their stint through the Tournament ended sooner than they had hoped Saturday. After 110 scoreless minutes, the Tribe managed to squeeze through to the second round on the strength of a 3-1 performance. Nicole Baxter attempted the final PK to seal the match.
Thank You, Seniors
? UCF's senior class of Madison Barney, Diana Manis, Ashley Spivey and Megan Fish played their final match of their collegiate careers.
? The group has had a hand in four conference championships and four NCAA Tournaments.
? In just two years, Spivey solidified her spot among the program's all-time leaders for game-winning goals. She wrapped up her career tied for second among single-season game-winners (6) and is tied for fifth for career game-winning goals (10).
Story by Jenna Marina; Video by Troy Kless and Conor Engelhardt