ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team's incredible season came to an end in the MIAC Playoff semifinals against Augsburg College with a 2-0 loss. The Auggies challenged the Royals to a competitive game after their 1-0 loss to Bethel earlier this season.

With a goal by the Auggies less than three minutes into the game, Bethel was kept on their toes as they worked hard towards defending their chance to advance to the MIAC championship. With only four shots by the Royals in the first half, the team was not able to score, but held off the Auggies from scoring until the next half.

"Augsburg is a great team," said Maxwell. "They have a lot of experience in post season play, and we knew it was going to be a tough game."

Despite the Royals inability to score during both halves, Senior Mikala Smith led her team in the final game of her college career with some fast plays and powerful kicks, shooting six out of the teams 10 shots. Freshman Brooke Ogne also played an impressive game, carrying the ball up the field and shooting a solid three shots for the game. While the ball quickly transferred between each team, the Royals were able to maintain possession for a greater amount of time during the second half, creating many good scoring chances. The Royals were unable to crack the Auggies defense though which has given up just eight goals all season long.

 "I am so proud of the entire team," Maxwell shared. "I thought we came out there and gave it our all. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce the right way for you, but we created chances and were in it until the end," said Maxwell.

With a final season record of 13-5-1 and a conference record of 8-3-0, both new program records, the Royals have much to be proud of because of their hard work, team unity and dedication to playing to the best of their abilities.

"This season was a team effort and I am beyond thankful to coach such a fantastic group of young women," recalled Maxwell. "It was just as fun and exciting off the field as it was on the field.

The Bethel women have many highlights to look back on, including three 5-0 shutouts at home, which were all part of their stunning 10-game winning streak. Three of the four leading goal scorers this season were under classmen including sophomore Maggie Sipe (10) and freshman Maria Retting (6) and Alicia Halikas (6). Other scorers on the season were seniors Mikala Smith (2) and Mikayla Nordin (8), sophomore Marnie Zilka (2) and freshmen Brooke Ogne (2), Rachel Ness (2) and Adri Tjeerdsma (1).

As the season comes to a close, the team will graduate three seniors in starting midfielder Mikala Smith, defender Andrea Pearson and starting forward Mikayla Nordin. Maxwell mentioned that this senior class played for Bethel both times the team has made the MIAC playoffs.

"They have been a huge part in the growth of the program, and we are going to miss them." Maxwell is excited when she looks at the roster and sees how many young players she has and is confident the team will be back for another great season next year.