The Highlander

Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brett Stakelin, Photography Editor Freshman Sterling Copeland and Nathan Kafer go after the ball in a game against Colorado School of Mines. Regis' 4-3 victory over Mines was the most exciting game of the season, with four lead changes and three ties. Kafer and Copeland both scored goals before Sam DePetro sealed the game with a golden goal in overtime.

Media Credit: Brett Stakelin, Photography Editor Tara Kirkpatrick embraces goalie Holly Redmomd (No. 1). Kirkpatrick was playing her final home game for Regis. The defender has compiled one of the most impressive careers in the history of Regis soccer, making the All-Conference team each of her first three seasons, an honor that the preseason Player of the Year will most certainly garner again this season.

Friday, Oct. 26, 2007 was supposed to be a happy Senior Day for seniors Tara Kirkpatrick and Erin Bevacqua, but instead turned into a cold day in Denver as the Lady Rangers lost a heart-breaking game to Colorado School of Mines.

RU had plenty of chances to score against CSM, but couldn't seem to find the back of the net. Regis dominated the Orediggers with 14 shots, 10 of which were on goal, and only allowed CSM five shots total.

But in the 85th minute the Lady Rangers allowed the only goal of the game, taking the breath out of the team. The loss put RU at an even .500 on the season and 5-6 in RMAC play. With one game remaining RU needed simply to win to sneak in the playoffs. A loss would put them at the mercy of how other teams played.

On Sunday the Lady Rangers seemed optimistic against a Goliath opponent - Metro State, the only thing in their way of a playoff bid. The players had the motivation and the drive on Sunday, but Metro was too much. Regis fell to their long time rival by a score of 4-0.

This day wasn't all sad and bitter, though, as the Lady Rangers had something else up their sleeve: luck. Simply, RU had to win one of their final two games of the regular season, but that didn't pan out.

The other scenario was if Regis was to lose both, and New Mexico Highlands lost or tied, Regis would earn a playoff berth. The Cowboys did just as the Lady Rangers needed; they tied on Sunday against CSM, allowing Regis to back their way into the show.

A weekend that seemed to be a disappointment turned out to be a celebratory day, for now. The Lady Rangers will most likely play the No. 1 seeded team. After a tough weekend, they will be focused and determined to prove they belong in the playoffs.

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