Ocelots Upset Phoenix To Close Out 2024 Season

HUNTSVILLE, AL – The Ocelots looked to close out their 2024 campaign with an impressive performance against the 4^th ranked team.

The game would prove to be a very even played match, despite the differential in the rankings. For the 1^st half, shots would read 5 to 4 in favor of Schoolcraft. The Ocelots got just 1 of those in the net, proving to be all they would need. In the 34^th minute, Schoolcraft would be given a free kick from just outside of the penalty box. Jessica Clyde would step up and not disappoint. Potentially due to the rainy weather, Clyde's shot would sneak through Phoenix's keepers' hands to find the back of the net, giving Clyde her 2^nd goal of the tournament. The score after 45 minutes of play would stay 1-0 in favor of Schoolcraft.

Phoenix would come out of the 2^nd half looking like the nation's 4^th leading goal scoring team. The Bears would put up 7 shots in the half with 3 of them coming on net. Kate Shippe and the Ocelots defense would prove to be up for the immense challenge. Shippe would make some huge saves down the stretch and Schoolcraft's defense would fend off 5 Phoenix corner kicks to keep their clean sheet alive and come out on top 1-0.

Schoolcraft finishes their season with a record of 11-3-2 while going 1-1 in the national tournament. Schoolcraft's upset over Phoenix proved to be the biggest upset (seed-wise) of the tournament and the highest victory for Schoolcraft since they defeated the 4^th seeded Navarro (TX) in 2005. The Ocelots turn to 2025, looking to improve upon their success, return to the national tournament and make it out of pool play. Schoolcraft's early returns on their recruiting class seems strong, look for the class to be fully announced soon.