Allendale, SC - Cape Fear women's soccer defeated Spartanburg Methodist 2-1 to claim the NJCAA Region 10 Conference Tournament title.
The two teams were tied at zero entering halftime. It wouldn't remain scoreless for long, however, as Karina Carbajal scored two goals in the 47th and 49th minutes off assists from Sally Yamada and Trinity Davis to give the Sea Devils a 2-0 lead.
Head coach Ryan Deppa had plenty of praise for Carbajal afterwards.
Karina is a talented player," said Deppa. "To have her come up big for the team today means so much to Sea Devil soccer. She sat all last year with an ACL injury she suffered at the end of her senior season in high school, and to keep showing up and being a good teammate and working to get her health back says a great deal about her. Very awesome to see it all happen for Karina and the team today."
Spartanburg got one back with five minutes to go off a corner kick. They had a chance to equalize with a minute remaining, but goalkeeper C.J Garvey, who was recently named NJCAA Division 1 Goalkeeper of the Week, came up with a big save to preserve her team's lead.
Once the final whistle blew, the celebrations began, as the Sea Devils celebrated another conference title. For many on this team, it was a special achievement given the long layoff caused by Hurricane Florence.
"I tell you what, these kids are pretty amazing," said Deppa. "Due to what the team went through with Hurricane Florence, they have been under the radar. Even at 16-1-1, they seem to be under the radar. They really are a great team. They want to do well, and they want to make the college proud, the Wilmington community proud, their friends and family proud. The parents have been so supportive of the girls, and we are very lucky to have them all in this teams corner."
Coach Deppa reflected on their achievements this weekend, remarking that his team came prepared because of all the hard work they put in throughout the season.
"I know what they did this weekend is another one of those moments this season that they prepared and worked hard for. They are going to be remembered here, that is for sure."
Cape Fear improves to 16-1-1 on the season. By winning the NJCAA Region 10 Conference tournament, the Sea Devils head to Spartanburg, SC to compete in the NJCAA D1 Southern District Tournament this next weekend. CFCC Women's soccer is on the schedule to play at 12:30pm vs. Gordon State in Spartanburg, SC
Courtesy of Nick Denning