Forced into a corner by a unique situation, the EMU soccer women got creative.  Needing either a win or a tie in their regular season finale at talented Roanoke to clinch an ODAC Tournament bid, the injury-depleted Royals changed their formation.

The women sat back on defense, trying to clog RC's offense, hoping for a counter attack, and maybe getting their much-needed point in the standings.  It worked for a half, as they weathered a 9-0 shot disparity to a scoreless tie at the break.  But the Maroons broke through for two goals in the second and then held off EMU's attack to leave the Royals waiting for help to get into the postseason tournament.

Later Tuesday evening, the women got the help they needed.  Despite getting out-shot 38-6, Hollins earned an unlikely scoreless draw with Emory & Henry, leaving the Wasps one point behind EMU and Randolph-Macon in the league standings.  Based on that result, the Royals and Yellow Jackets earned the final two berths in the ODAC Tournament, which starts this Saturday.

It is the first postseason trip for the women since 2010.  Official pairings will be released Wednesday night after the completion of the final regular season conference games.

Against Roanoke, EMU's defense held well in the first half, turning away five corner kicks and nine shot attempts.  Keeper Becca Borg (Gig Harbor, Wash./Peninsula) made four saves in the half.

RC pushed hard to start the second, forcing Borg to make two saves in the opening 2:11.  The Royals returned fire, with Kendall Moyer (Fincastle, Va./James River) putting a shot on goal in the 52nd minute.  But Roanoke broke through less than a minute later, getting their first goal.

Just over two minutes later, the home team got another score as a deflected cross slipped into the net to make it 2-0.

The Royals got shots from Erica Detweiler (Hickory, N.C./Fred T. Foard) and Asia Malcolm (Richmond, Va./John Randolph Tucker) over the final 31 minutes, but were held off the scoreboard.

Roanoke ended with a 24-3 advantage in shots.  Borg made nine saves.

The Royals close the regular season with a record of 10-8 overall and 5-7 in the ODAC.  It is the first double-digit win season since 2006, and tied for the most conference wins since 2008.