The No. 7 Metro State women's soccer team (20-2-3) dropped a 3-1 decision to No. 4 Seattle Pacific in the NCAA semifinals, Thursday afternoon in Tampa, Fla.

"Of course we are disappointed with the loss, we wanted to play for the national championship," Head Coach Adrianne Almaraz said. "I am very, very proud of what this team accomplished this season. We only have three seniors and five juniors and they have stepped up to bring us this far. I told the team after the game to remember what this feels like, so next year we can be on the other end."

The Falcons got on the board quickly with a header into the goal with just 73 seconds off the clock. Seattle Pacific had two more shots on goal in the 14th and 15th minute, but two great saves by Roadrunner goalkeeper Becca Maloney (Colorado Springs, Colo./Air Academy) kept the game close. Metro State had its best opportunity of the half on a break away shot by Jen Thomas (Aurora, Colo./Greeley West H.S.) that just left of the goal.

SPU had another golden opportunity to open the second half, but Maloney saved a high shot with her fingernails to prevent the goal. Metro got on the scoreboard to begin the second half when junior Jen Thomas (Aurora, Colo./Greeley West H.S.) took a centering pass and headed it in the goal. The Falcons struck right back just 30 seconds later to take the lead back 2-1, and added an insurance goal just 3 minutes later to take a commanding 3-1 lead.

The Roadrunners have appeared in the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer National Semifinals three of the last five years, winning national championships in 2004 and 2006. Metro State is now 21-4-2 in eight NCAA appearances.