ARNOLD, Md. (November 4, 2022) – The Anne Arundel Community College women's soccer team has earned the eighth seed in the 2022 NJCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championships and will face top seed and defending national champion Dallas Brookhaven in the opening round at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9 at Paul Wehrum Stadium in Herkimer, N.Y.
AACC (5-7) won the Mid-Atlantic District title with a 1-0 overtime win at Suffolk Community College on Saturday, October 29. Madelynn Rowe scored in the 98th minute to send the Riverhawks to the national tournament for the first time since 2014 and the 11th time in program history.
Head Coach Jim Griffiths returned to the helm of the program this season after a six-year hiatus. Griffiths guided the Riverhawks to the national tournament five times in his first 15-year stint as head coach, including three at the Division I level (2005, 2008, 2010).
"I am extremely happy for the players that they have this opportunity that they truly deserve," said Griffiths. "They have bought in, persevered, dealt with numerous injuries, and a small roster."
"The team has honestly worked as hard as any team that I have coached," he added. "Regardless of the outcome at the national tournament, they should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished given all that they have to overcome to reach this point."
Forward Cassidy Smith drives the Riverhawks' offense with five goals and seven assists. All-around player Ryann Brooks has been key with five goals and a pair of assists. Brooks was tasked with playing in goal in the district championship and made seven saves in her first career appearance at goalkeeper to earn the huge shutout win. Rowe, who scored the game-winner has added four goals on the season.
In net, Kaitlyn Kenney has logged almost all the minutes, starting 11 games with a 2.75 goals against average. AACC's defense has been a key part to the team's success, led by center back Asylin Wesemen.
AACC has a 4-0 record against Division III opponents this season and went 30 days between Divsion III games, facing nine Divison I and II opponents in the span.
Dallas Brookhaven comes into the tournament with a 13-0-1 record after being ranked atop the national polls for the entire 2022 season. The Bears have recorded 12 shutouts in 14 games this season, allowing opponents just 2.64 shots on goal per game.
The semifinal round is set for Friday, November 11, with the championship slated for Sunday, November 13. For teams that do not win their opening round game, there are a consolation games scheduled for Thursday, November 10.
All tournament games can be streamed live on the NJCAA Network at njcaa.org/network.