The Carroll College soccer team battled Rocky Mountain College down to the wire in the Frontier Conference championships at Nelson Stadium, but missed out on qualifying for nationals after a 1-0 defeat Saturday.

The Bears' winning goal was scored by Allison Beckers at 38 minutes, assisted by Anna Clark.

"I was outside the 18 (yard stripe), took a deflection and sent a shot toward the net," explained a jubilant Beckers afterwards. "I didn't know if it would go in or not, but when it did, I was like...well, it was very exciting."

Saints keeper Katie Beall leaped for the stop, but the ball found just enough room between her outstretched fingertips and the crossbar.

Carroll outshot the Bears 11-4, but was unable to sneak a ball past Billings keeper Vanessa Peters, who posted six saves.

It was the third meeting of the year between the league's season co-champions teams, having split the first two games. The action on the field was very physical, even getting a little scrappy at times. The win improves Rocky to 14-3 overall, while Carroll finishes at 12-7.

"This is a great win for the kids," said Bears coach Richard Duffy, who hails from Scotland. "It was a hard-fought game, all of our matches against Carroll are really intense. We won't find out who we play in the first round of nationals until tomorrow night, but I don't care about that right now. I just won't to enjoy this victory."

The Saints came close to scoring several times, with their best chances coming on a header by Hannah Young, and then late in the game on a kick by Meghan O'Connell. O'Connell had the keeper one-on-one, but Peters was able to halt the attempt.

"We left their best player open one time, and then spent the next 45 minutes trying to catch up," Carroll coach Dave Thorvilson said. "I'm just real proud of how hard my players battled -- they left it all out on the field."

Saints' senior forward Bobbi Allard said it was a tough loss to take, but that she'll always have fond memories of her playing days at Carroll.

"It sucks that it's over, but other than that the last four years here have been an amazing time," said the former Capital High great. "I'll carry the memories with me, of the fun we've shared, and the bonding we've had."

Rocky Mountain 1 0 - 1

Carroll College 0 0 - 0

RMC - Allison Beckers (Anna Clark), 38:00

Shots: RMC 4, Carroll 11

Reporter Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net