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Pioneers Repeat as NJCAA Region 20 Tournament Runner-up

Pioneers Repeat as NJCAA Region 20 Tournament Runner-up

April 23 and 25, 2015
Bel Air, Md.

The #3 Pioneers (10-5) took home the Region 20 tournament runner-up plaque falling 11-4 to the #1 CCBC Essex Knights (13-2) in the championship game on Saturday, April 25 at Harford Community College.

The Pioneers played the Knights tough, and were down 3-6 at the half, but they did not keep pace offensively as they were outscored each period. Nathan Neal had two goals. Darek Davis scored one goal, and John Jennings had a goal and an assist in the effort. Goalie Michael Reigle had 11 saves on the day.

Warren Duckett (defense) Nathan Neal (midfielder) and Kenneth Robertson (defense) earned a spot on the all-tournament team.

In route to the championship game the Pioneers took down #2 Howard Community College (7-5) in the semifinals by a score of 12-11 in overtime on Thursday, April 23.  DJ Davis scored the tie goal that forced the game to overtime, and Nathan Neal scored an unassisted winning goal in sudden victory.

In 2014 the team advanced to the national championship as the at-large team, but this season Suffolk County Community College edged out the Pioneers because they had defeated AACC in the regular season. Coach Grace and twelve freshmen will begin the process of getting ready for next season.

Five Pioneers made the all-region and all-conference teams for the season:

Kenney Robertson - first team defense (SO)
Pierce Meyer - second team attack ( FR)
Edward Hartle - second team midfield (SO)
Warren Duckett - second team defense (FR)
Michael Reigle – honorable mention (FR)

In his inaugural season Coach Jason Grace was named the Region 20 and Maryland JUCO Conference Coach of the Year.