Blue Raider freshman conclude national tournament as runner-up

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Middle Tennessee freshman soccer student-athletes Kelsey Brouwer and Tori Hawkins were members of the runner-up squad, Brentwood Premier '94, at the recent US Youth Soccer National Championships in Rock Hill, S.C.

The team, the first from Tennessee to advance to nationals, won its first two games of the prestigious tournament, handing Region II champion Cincinnati Soccer Alliance Elite (Ohio) a 3-1 setback and Region IV winner Laroca PT (Utah) a 2-1 loss. Brentwood Premier then dropped the national championship decision to FC Pennsylvania Strikers, the Region I champion.

Along the way, Brouwer picked up the Southern Regionals Golden Glove Award after the squad captured the Region III title.

Hawkins also played a key role, being named the U18 MVP at the regional tournament, helping clinch the crown for coach Brandy Gagliano's program.

The team was awarded the Fair Play Trophy, as selected by the referees in charge of the U18 group.

Both players are currently in training with the Blue Raiders, preparing for the exhibition opener next Friday, August 10, at home against Mercer.

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