Box Score Butler advanced to Sunday's BIG EAST championship match with a 2-1 decision over top-seeded and nationally-ranked St. John's in a tournament semifinal match Friday afternoon in Omaha, Neb. The Bulldogs are in search of the program's first NCAA Tournament berth Sunday afternoon.
With the win, Butler improves to 15-6-1 on the season, which ties the program record for single-season wins. One of Butler's six losses on the season had come at the hands of the Red Storm earlier this season.
"What a game," said Butler co-head coach Tari St. John. "Credit to St. John's; they played outstanding today. They kept the pressure on us for 90 minutes. I'm extremely proud of our bend-but-don't-break mentality today. Maddie Card relishes those pressure moments."
Serina Kashimoto scored on a free kick from 25 yards out in the 10th minute to give the Bulldogs an early lead. Butler was able to withstand an assault of shots from St. John's with keeper Madison Card coming up with five saves in the first half alone.
The Bulldogs picked up a critical insurance goal in the 58th minute as Sophia Maccagnone controlled the ball in the midfield and navigated through several defenders. She fed Paige Monaghan down the left side of the field. Monaghan let a crossing shot fly from 25 yards and it got over the head of St. John's goalie Diana Poulin for a 2-0 advantage.
The padded lead would be short-lived as Georgia Kearney-Perry put in a rebound off a Card save in the 63rd minute to pull the Red Storm back within one. Once again, Butler's defense would weather the storm as Card recorded six saves over the course of the last 45 minutes.
Butler advances to face the winner of Friday's second semifinal between Georgetown and Providence. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. (ET) and will be nationally-televised on FS1.
"Regardless of who we have to play, there is something different and special about a championship game," said St. John. "And while it's special, it can also create distractions. We need to focus on doing what we do and prepare for Sunday. We'll enjoy this and the girls deserve it. When we wake up tomorrow, it's back to business."
