LITTLE ROCK- The Ouachita Baptist soccer programs took part in the 4th annual Melinda Marie Evans Kick for the Cure Adult 7 v. 7 soccer tournament held in Burns Park in Little Rock over the weekend.
The Ouachita Men’s Soccer team put together two teams for the tournament to put several players in position to get a lot of playing time, while also helping the cause in the process. In all, there were a total of 12 men’s teams that were members of the NCAA and NAIA. Last year, Ouachita Baptist took the overall tournament title, but split the two teams this year in hopes that practice time would strengthen their team for the future.
Among the highlights for the No. 1 OBU team, included a third place finish, after opening up with a 7-0 victory over Harding, followed by a 5-3 win over Freed Hardemen. Against an alumni team, the Tigers saw their first defeat, 5-4, but returned to defeat the No. 2 OBU team, before losing by a goal in the semi-finals and winning in the third place consolation match.
On the other side of the bracket for the No. 2 OBU squad, the Tigers were knoced out in group play, before making it to bracket and playoff action. In the first match, OBU 2 defeated an alumni team, 4-3, before losing to Lyon 1, 6-2, Christian Brothers 2, 4-0 and OBU 1, 9-2.
“The men had long day with only having one sub for each team but we knew it meant great playing time for everyone and I wanted to test the guys,” Ouachita Head Coach Alex Denning said. “We have a couple guys gone this semester and to see the team step up and play well today with our small numbers was great. I think if we had just played one team we could have one the tournament but this was more about a good practice time for a great cause, I saw good things today”.
For the women’s division, there were 11 teams total, including five NCAA Division I institutions. Ouachita went undefeated through pool play and bracket action, before losing to the eventual champion in the semi-finals in Division I Louisiana Tech, 3-1.
To begin play, Ouachita easily dismantled a University of Arkansas-Little Rock alumni team, 6-0, before battling to a tie with Division I Lousiana-Monroe, 1-1. After that, the Lady Tigers defeated Harding, 3-1, before taking a 6-0 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan. The final match of the day ended in the defeat to Louisiana Tech in the semi-finals.
“The women played great for four games and then fatigue stepped in and really got to us in the fifth game,” Denning said. “Louisiana Tech was a quality team and it was nice to get to play against a team like that. Any time we can face competition like today and get good results through the day is a good day. Lots of players we able to get in games and continue to work on playing the game the way I ask, and as a whole I was very happy. This Tournament is excellent and those that put it on do a great job, I’m glad we are able to be part of it.”
