CLINTON, Miss. — MC (12-1-4, 9-0-2) secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Trevecca Nazarene (6-8-3, 3-6-2) at Robert P. Longabaugh Field on Sunday, with the home team racking up 30 shots and 14 on goal.

The match began with Mississippi College establishing early pressure, as Lewis Matton took the first shot just 23 seconds in. Cole Turner made several crucial saves, denying Judah Jones and Connor Woulfe from Trevecca Nazarene University in the opening minutes. Mississippi College struck first in the 17th minute when Russell Berko scored following an assist from Matton, putting the home team ahead.

Mississippi College continued to press, with Berko hitting the right woodwork shortly after his goal. In the 36th minute, Alvaro Pena extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal assisted by Angel Carceles. The home side maintained momentum, and Berko found the back of the net again in the 42nd minute, giving The Blue and Gold a 3-0 advantage.

As the first half concluded, MC held a commanding 3-0 lead, with consistent offensive pressure and strong defensive efforts limiting Trevecca Nazarene's opportunities.

The second half began with the Choctaws maintaining control despite an early goal by Trevecca Nazarene's Jack Franklin in the 51st minute, narrowing the lead to 3-1. MC quickly responded when Patrick Vukoje scored in the 70th minute, assisted by Berko, to extend the lead to 4-1.

As the half progressed, The Blue and Gold continued to press, with Sergio Garrido scoring in the 83rd minute to solidify the advantage at 5-1. MC's defense held firm, and the team maintained momentum, concluding the match with a decisive 5-1 victory. With this win, the Choctaws advance to the GSC Semifinals in Huntsville, Ala.

Cole Turner made a strong impact by recording six saves, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Berko delivered offensively with two goals and one assist, while also taking four shots, all on target. Pena secured the game-winning goal, converting his only shot on goal. Gabriel Carceles added an assist to his performance, taking four shots, with three on target.

Mississippi Col. Top Performers

Cole Turner  
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- six saves  
- one goal allowed  

Russell Berko  
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- two goals  
- one assist  
- four shots  

Angel Carceles  
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- one assist  
- three shots on goal  

Sergio Garrido  
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- one goal  
- six shots  

Alvaro Pena  
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- one goal  
- one game-winning goal  

The Choctaws hold a record of 12-1-4 overall and 9-0-2 in conference play. Trevecca Nazarene stands at 6-8-3 overall with a conference record of 3-6-2.

Game Notes:
- MC will take on the winner of No. 4 Christian Brothers vs. No. 5 UAH on Friday at 3 pm at the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex in Huntsville, Ala. Read Full Article