Rarely is the phrase, "utter domination" used to describe a game between two teams that are competing in a national tournament. Wednesday's NCCAA National Tournament First Round game between Lancaster Bible College and North Central University happened to be one of those times when the phrase applied.

The Chargers controlled every facet of the game and easily won, 4-0, advancing to the NCCAA National Semi-Finals. LBC (14-7) will take on Maranatha Baptist Bible College on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

LBC controlled play from the start and finally capitalized in the 34th minute when Ally Brown received a great pass from Kristina Clairmont and beat the NCU goalkeeper on the left hand side. Brown extended the lead 10 minutes later when she scored on a penalty kick to put the Chargers up, 2-0 just before halftime.

"She just understands the game so well," LBC Head Coach Ken Craul said of Brown. "She is a very important part of our success and makes players around her better."

Whitney Heise and Clairmont scored six minutes apart midway through the second half to clinch the game for the Chargers. Clairmont finished the day with a goal and two assists, while Jenna Godwin had the other assist. Clairmont's goal makes her the leading goal scorer in school history with 31.

"We thought NCU would pack their defense into the middle and try to keep us at bay that way, but we told Heise, Brown and Clairmont that if they could take someone one-on-one to try it," Craul said. "We looked for our opportunities and were able to get some chances through good passing and one-on-one battles."

If there was one area where the Chargers struggled on Wednesday it was their corner kicks which yielded few offense opportunities.

"We tried some shorter corners today to keep the defense honest, but we haven't had a lot of success in that department," Craul said. "We have to try and mix up our looks and get better."

With most of the play taking place in the offensive end, the Chargers' defensive players, specifically Becka Hixson were able to push up and contribute offensively.

"Becka pushed forward a lot today and helped us maintain possession," Craul said. "That was important and helped our all-around play."

While the win propels the Chargers to just their second NCCAA National Semi-Finals appearance, Craul said the team will continue to play their type of soccer and control the play.

"We didn't come down here to change how we play," Craul said. "We want to control the tempo and play our game."

LBC will be playing back-to-back games for only the second time this season. They defeated Trinity, 4-1 on October 20 and shutout Gallaudet, 4-0 on October 21. Craul said the team will be prepared to go on Thursday.

"We want the ladies to relax and stay cool tonight," Craul said. "It is humid and we haven't played in humidity in two months, so it does take some adjusting to, but we will be fine."

The winner of Thursday's semi-final will earn a berth in the NCCAA Championship Game which will be played on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Notes:
-LBC out shot NCU, 40-0 and held a 15-1 edge in corner kicks.

-Heise's goal was her team-leading 13th of the season.